49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander returns to practice
There was a new buzz surrounding the 49ers’ first practice since the end of the regular season on Thursday.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander, who went on injured reserve in early November after tearing a pectoral on Halloween, returned on to the practice field as the team officially opened his practice window.
Alexander’s return to practice legitimizes the chances he’s back on the field at some point during the playoffs. Coach Kyle Shanahan earlier this week said there’s a chance he’s back for the NFC Championship Game Jan. 19.
Of course, that’s assuming the 49ers win their Divisional Round game against either the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks or Philadelphia Eagles, depending on how the upcoming Wild Card round plays out. It’s unclear if Alexander’s return has been accelerated, giving a chance to play in the team’s first playoff game Jan. 11.
“He’s coming along,” Shanahan said Monday. “There’s definitely going to be a chance (for his return). I don’t think that will be this week, but if we’re fortunate enough to win our first game, I think he could have a chance after that. We’re still holding out hope for that, but we’ll see how it goes over these next couple weeks.”
Alexander, 25, quickly became an emotional leader for San Francisco’s upstart defense during the first half of the season. The 49ers made him a priority in free agency by signing the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer to a four-year, $54 million contract in the spring.
Alexander had 34 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in eight games before the injury.
In other injury-related news, pass rusher Dee Ford was not practicing due to a hamstring injury that kept him from five of the past six regular season games. Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (rib fracture) was in a blue noncontact jersey for the second straight week after missing the finale in Seattle.
New nose tackle Earl Mitchell, who played the last two seasons with the team, was on the field in D.J. Jones’ No. 93 jersey. Jones was placed on injured reserve in December with a high ankle sprain.
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 11:53 AM.
