Packers' top pick Jaire Alexander on track to make debut vs. Steelers

GREEN BAY – Cornerback Jaire Alexander returned from a groin injury to practice Sunday. Next step: The Green Bay Packers rookie hopes to play in his first exhibition game Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Alexander had not practiced since injuring his groin while covering a deep pass Aug. 4 during the Packers' annual night practice at Lambeau Field. The first-round draft pick missed Thursday’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. After taking a few team reps Sunday, Alexander said the goal is to play Thursday.

“That’s definitely what we’re shooting for,” Alexander said. “We just have to take it day by day.”

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Second-year cornerback Kevin King also practiced for the first time since the night practice. King missed practice and Thursday’s opener with a right shoulder injury, which he indicated Friday was not serious. Unlike Alexander, King did not participate in team reps Sunday.

King was placed on injured reserve last season before having surgery on his left shoulder, which chronically dislocated throughout his rookie year. Coach Mike McCarthy said he hopes there’s no long-term issue with King’s right shoulder.

“It was kind of odd the way it happened,” McCarthy said. “Kevin’s a tough guy. Gosh, you should have seen what he went through last year to play through games. It’s remarkable. So, we’ll just see how he is. He’s had a great camp.

“He’s really shown taking that big step for us. We just have to get him right and hopefully not have a setback.”