In recent seasons, a fierce rivalry has been brewing between Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Green Bay Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander. This matchup has become one of the most anticipated individual battles in the NFC North, as every opposing cornerback enters a game with one goal: to shut down Jefferson. And Alexander has been no exception. The two have exchanged heated moments on the field, adding another layer to the already intense rivalry between the Vikings and the Packers.

However, it’s been a while since the two players have faced off directly. Due to various injuries, Jefferson and Alexander haven’t been on the field at the same time in a Vikings-Packers game since Week 17 of the 2022 season. Their absence from each other’s radar has only added to the anticipation surrounding their next clash. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem likely that this face-off will take place when the Vikings meet the Packers on Sunday, as Alexander has been limited in practice due to a knee injury. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also told reporters that the chances of Alexander playing this weekend are slim, stating that the veteran cornerback is unlikely to suit up for the game.

While Alexander’s absence will certainly leave a hole in the Packers’ defense, the Minnesota Vikings are heading into the game with some positive news on the health front. Despite missing key players in recent weeks, the Vikings are on track to welcome back two of their top defenders for the upcoming contest against Green Bay.

In Week 15, the Vikings were without All-Pro safety Harrison Smith due to a foot injury. However, it appears that Smith’s injury won’t sideline him for a second consecutive game. Smith participated in a full practice on Thursday, signaling that he’ll be available for Sunday’s showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium.

In addition to Smith, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is also expected to return to action after missing the past few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Pace has been out since Minnesota’s Week 12 victory over the Chicago Bears, but he too was able to fully participate in practice on Thursday. If he experiences no setbacks, Pace is expected to suit up and contribute to the Vikings’ defense this weekend.

With so much on the line, Sunday’s game between the Vikings and Packers is shaping up to be one of the biggest in their historic rivalry. With Alexander unlikely to play and Smith and Pace trending toward a return, Minnesota is feeling confident about its chances to secure a victory. The absence of Alexander would undoubtedly make life easier for Jefferson and the Vikings’ offense, but the Packers are known for their resilience, and this game is far from decided.

The stakes are high in this NFC North battle, with both teams vying for playoff positioning as the season nears its end. With Jefferson aiming to continue his dominance and the Vikings’ defense getting healthier, the atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium promises to be electric. All eyes will be on how this rivalry unfolds once again, with the potential for another unforgettable chapter in the ongoing clash between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.