Jaire Alexander and Two Cornerbacks Miss Practice While DeAndre Hopkins’ Leadership Earns Praise from Positional Coach Amid Training Camp
As training camps intensify and NFL teams gear up for the regular season, every practice becomes increasingly vital for fine-tuning chemistry, assessing depth, and implementing schemes. On Monday, the Green Bay Packers found themselves dealing with some unexpected absences on the defensive side of the ball, as star cornerback Jaire Alexander, along with two other members of the cornerback room, missed practice. While the team has yet to officially confirm the reasons behind their absences, it marks a moment of concern — albeit not panic — for a defense that hinges heavily on the playmaking abilities of its secondary.
Alexander’s presence on the field is nothing short of critical. Known for his lockdown capabilities, elite footwork, and ability to shadow top receivers, Alexander has solidified his position as one of the premier corners in the NFL. His absence, even for a day, is closely monitored by the coaching staff and fans alike. The Packers have built much of their defensive identity around Alexander’s ability to take away a side of the field, affording the front seven more freedom to blitz and pressure quarterbacks. Without him, the defense not only loses talent, but also confidence and versatility.
Joining Alexander on the sideline were two other cornerbacks, whose names were not immediately disclosed by the coaching staff, perhaps as part of the team’s discretion policy or pending further evaluation. Whether these absences stemmed from minor injuries, rest management, or precautionary measures, the team’s secondary depth is being quietly tested during a critical stretch of the offseason. The cornerback room, once seen as one of the deeper units on the roster, now faces a brief moment of vulnerability — not alarming yet, but worth watching closely.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur remained cautiously optimistic when asked about Alexander’s status. He described the situation as “manageable,” hinting that it might not be a long-term concern. Still, in the NFL, where injury timelines are fluid and often vague, any time a Pro Bowl talent is unavailable, the concern lingers. Coaches don’t want to rush players back too soon in July, but they also don’t want to lose ground on installing defensive schemes and chemistry in August. It’s a tightrope that must be walked carefully.
Beyond the Packers’ secondary developments, another narrative emerging this week centers on DeAndre Hopkins, the veteran wide receiver whose leadership has made an early impression on his positional coach during camp. Now in his second season with the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins is entering a phase of his career where his experience is as valuable as his production. While once known purely for his jaw-dropping catches and reliable hands, Hopkins is now embracing the role of mentor and tone-setter — and it’s being noticed.
His positional coach, Rob Moore, had nothing but praise for Hopkins following Monday’s session. Speaking to reporters, Moore emphasized that Hopkins has become a pillar of professionalism in the receiver room. He called Hopkins “a leader by example,” highlighting his approach to meetings, attention to detail in practice, and how he takes time to work with younger receivers both during and after drills. Moore noted that Hopkins doesn’t just offer advice — he models the behaviors and work habits he expects from those around him.
This development isn’t necessarily surprising to those who have followed Hopkins throughout his career. Known for his consistency and high football IQ, Hopkins has long been a technician on the field. Now, at age 32 and with a new generation of receivers coming up behind him, Hopkins seems to be embracing the elder statesman role in a way that transcends stats and box scores. For a Titans team undergoing transitions at quarterback and across the offensive line, having a stabilizing veteran presence like Hopkins is invaluable.
What’s perhaps most intriguing is how naturally Hopkins has stepped into this leadership role without diminishing his own competitive fire. According to Moore, Hopkins remains one of the most driven players in the room — pushing himself and those around him to raise the standard. The younger receivers have reportedly gravitated toward him, absorbing every bit of insight they can glean. This is the type of mentorship that can reshape careers and redefine locker room culture.
Hopkins’ leadership is also paying dividends during practice. Moore said that Hopkins’ route discipline and timing have been sharper than ever. He still carries a commanding presence in contested catch situations, and his rapport with quarterback Will Levis — who is competing for the starting job — continues to grow. Hopkins understands that his role may evolve as the offense develops under new coordinator Nick Holz, but he remains committed to doing whatever is needed for the team to succeed.
That mindset, Moore emphasized, is what separates good veterans from great ones. He spoke about how Hopkins has embraced film study with younger players, pointing out subtle defensive coverages and tendencies that aren’t always visible in real time. He’s also been vocal in walkthroughs, ensuring that everyone is aligned in both terminology and intent. This kind of active leadership can’t be measured by yardage or touchdowns, but it often proves just as impactful over the course of a season.
As the Titans continue their preparations for a tough AFC South schedule, Hopkins’ role as a mentor could be just as pivotal as his role as a receiver. The team has a number of promising but unproven wideouts, and their development could be fast-tracked by daily exposure to Hopkins’ example. For a coach like Moore, who has seen a wide array of personalities come through the receiver room, having a figure like Hopkins guiding the group is a luxury — one that could translate directly into wins when games begin to count.
On the other side of the ball, back in Green Bay, the absence of Alexander remains the headline for now, but the larger storyline will be how the team adjusts and evaluates depth in his absence. Players on the fringe of the roster will now receive more reps, giving them opportunities to make an impression on coaches and potentially earn a roster spot. It’s moments like these that can define careers — when depth becomes spotlighted, and unheralded players can seize the moment.
Training camp always brings a mix of hope, tension, and unpredictability. While injuries and absences are an unfortunate part of the game, they also present a chance for growth, assessment, and adjustment. The Packers will certainly be hoping that Alexander and his fellow corners return swiftly and without complication, while the Titans will continue leaning into the culture of accountability and leadership that Hopkins is helping foster.
With the regular season just a few weeks away, teams are entering a critical phase of preparation. Veteran stars like Hopkins are now taking on dual roles — both as contributors and as leaders — while teams like Green Bay manage short-term setbacks in hopes of long-term health. Every practice matters. Every rep counts. And every voice in the locker room can shape a season. For both franchises, Monday’s developments offered reminders that the NFL isn’t just about physical talent — it’s also about presence, maturity, and the quiet leadership that drives lasting success.
