The San Francisco 49ers defense just got a massive boost. On Friday, the team announced that Kwon Alexander is no longer on the injured reserve. The fifth-year linebacker will indeed play on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings.
Alexander tore his pectoral on Oct. 31. Like the Houston Texans' J.J. Watt, he returned from an injury that usually has a six-month timetable in two months. His return marks a much-needed addition to the Niners' defensive unit.
“Having Kwon is exciting,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said, via ESPN. “He brings a lot of juice, a lot of energy. Even in practice, if there's a lull in practice, he's the first to speak up to get guys going. From a coach's view, it's very beneficial to have a guy who regardless, whether it's bad or good, his voice is projecting positive energy and trying to get people rolling. To have Kwon, aside from the player, just from the juice and the energy he brings and what he does for everybody around him, is really priceless.”
Previously with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Alexander signed a four-year $54 million deal with the 49ers in March. San Francisco immediately felt his impact.
In the eight games before the injury, Alexander tallied 34 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, four pass deflections and an interception. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed a measly 55.7 passer rating in coverage.
Alexander will team up with standout second-year linebacker Fred Warner to enforce the middle of the field against the Vikings. He will play in his first postseason game.
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