The 49ers defense will have its emotional leader for the start of their postseason run. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Kwon Alexander is on track to play in the 49ers’ divisional round game next Saturday.
Alexander’s return from a torn pectoral he suffered on Oct. 31 isn’t a huge surprise since the team opened his practice window to return from Injured Reserve last week. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the 25-year-old may only return if the team won its divisional round game and made it to the NFC championship.
His return to practice in the 49ers’ off week was a small indicator that Alexander might return as early as the divisional round, but no information changed from the team.
Texans defensive end JJ Watt suffered the same injury four days before Alexander, and returned for Houston’s wild-card win over the Bills.
The 49ers have survived without Greenlaw in the middle of their front seven, but defensive end Nick Bosa told reporters Alexander may be the team’s MVP because of the emotional lift he gives them.
San Francsico’s defensive slide to end the year somewhat coincided with Alexander’s exit from the lineup. Rookie Dre Greenlaw did well in his stead, but having all three of Alexander, Greenlaw and Fred Warner available makes the 49ers’ linebacking corps much stronger.
There’s still no guarantee Alexander returns since a torn pec is a serious injury that typically sidelines players for an entire season. However, he’s on track to play in the divisional round, which would be a huge win for the 49ers defense in the team’s first playoff game since 2013.