Everyone knew that when the Baltimore Ravens signed cornerback Jaire Alexander to a one-year $4 million deal, they were getting both a potential steal and taking a gamble. Now, with just two weeks until the NFL regular season, it looks like the latter is unfolding.
On Monday, Head Coach John Harbaugh revealed to the media that Alexander has been dealing with a knee issue that has plagued him over the past couple of seasons.
“He had something to take care of that knee. You do some things to help it from a health standpoint,” Harbaugh said. “It’s something he’s been dealing with for a few years now, so it’s not anything we didn’t expect probably…but you got to take a couple of days after you do that before you can practice.”
Harbaugh emphasized that it was nothing too serious and it should not impact him in terms of a full-season injury, but there is certainly reason for concern. Alexander is a two-time Pro Bowler, and while the talent is still there, the nagging knee injury, which has remained an issue going into his Baltimore tenure, is nothing to shrug off.
Jaire Alexander is still dealing with knee issues
The cornerback room is already facing a barrage of injuries. Rookie sixth-round selections Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam were placed on season-ending injured reserve in recent weeks. Kone suffered a knee injury in the team’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, and Longerbeam was lost to a knee injury during training camp. The depth has taken a hit, and if Alexander misses additional time, it would spell horrible news for the Ravens.
In 2024, Baltimore’s pass defense placed 31st in the NFL. Although the unit improved late in the year, reinforcements were expected to rebuild the unit into the league’s best. The most notable reinforcement was Alexander, whom the team quickly signed after he was cut by the Green Bay Packers, largely due to the situation he is facing now.
Alexander remains a capable starting cornerback. He has been making plays in training camp, but has also missed the occasional practice. The most recent news indicates the 28-year-old will likely miss additional practices due to his current issue. However, with the Ravens’ season not kicking off until September 7, he is expected to have enough time to recover and return for the regular season opener.