Packers CB Jaire Alexander'surprised by the punishment' after coin toss error

Jaire Alexander returned to Green Bay Packers practice after a one-game ban. He might address the punishment that kept him from Sunday's win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Alexander, the NFL's highest-paid cornerback at $21 million, elected himself team captain before a game against the Carolina Panthers after a coin toss. The Packers almost lost that crucial game on Dec. 24 when Alexander said they wanted to wait until the second half.

Alexander, playing in Charlotte, said he was surprised by the suspension but thought it worked out nicely for both sides. "Yeah, I was surprised by the suspension," Alexander told ESPN. "I worried about being penalized. "It probably strengthened my bond with the team.

Matt LaFleur did not respond if Alexander had been fined or if he would start in the season finale. Alexander earns $650,000 per game in 2023, per NBC Sports.

"I'm not going to get into too many of the specifics; you guys will find out later in the week," LaFleur. But having him back was fantastic. I think he's ready after our Monday talk."

Alexander, who has only played six games this year, learned that he must work with the coaches and front office. He has fought injuries that have kept him off the field, but he's made sure he won't have troubles like versus Carolina when he returns.

On Sunday afternoon, Alexander returns to Green Bay (8-8) for a win-and-get-in game against the Chicago Bears. If the Packers overcome their opponent, they'll be the seventh NFC playoff seed.

“Yeah, I think it was definitely something to learn from,” Alexander added. There were ways I could have enhanced communication that week. Going ahead, that won't happen."

Watch this space for further developments.