LB Kwon Alexander

Alexander was activated off Injured Reserve the Friday before the game. He’s unlikely to play a full slate of snaps, but his presence is essential for a couple reasons. There’s an intangible reason that’ll give the 49ers’ defense the little extra edge it carried early in the year when they had their emotional leader on the field.

There are football reasons Alexander’s return is important as well. Even if he plays Sam linebacker and is only on the field with the base defense, he gives the 49ers a third quality linebacker alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Azeez Al-Shaair was filling that Sam role, but the undrafted rookie just isn’t the same quality of player as the veteran Alexander yet. Al-Shaair did a fine job, but having Alexander in that spot is a huge boost for the 49ers’ defense, especially against a Vikings offense that may require plenty of base personnel.