Kwon Alexander and the San Francisco 49ers (and the fans, for that matter) received some devastating news on Friday. The star linebacker will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle late in the third quarter of Thursday night's 28-25 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
That's tough for a 49ers defense that has seen a big boost this season. Much of that was because of Alexander's energetic presence and fast-paced playmaking ability.
The 'Hot Boyzz' linebackers will have to move forward without their veteran teammate.
Alexander didn't sound too discouraged by the injury news on Friday. He tweeted the following out to fans.
I'm built for this shhh! It's all part of the game! I sacrifice everything when I step in between the white line! Ima be Legendary! Everything happens for a reason! I'll be back ‼️
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) November 1, 2019
Alexander knows what it's like to overcome odds and return better than ever after a season-ending injury. His 2018 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was cut short by a torn ACL. The 49ers believed in him so much that, despite the injury, they signed the then-free-agent linebacker to a four-year deal in March.
It looked like a gamble that was paying off until the injury. Alexander was playing at a high level and registered 34 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through eight starts this season.
Rookie Dre Greenlaw is expected to start in place of Alexander for the 49ers' remaining games.
It can't be understated how big of a blow losing LB Kwon Alexander is for the 49ers. Production, leadership, toughness and several other intangibles will be missed.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) November 1, 2019
Kwon Alexander will be missed, especially in coverage where his 81.3 grade was T-5th best among off-ball LBs, and his passer rating allowed of 67.4 ranked second (min. 100+ coverage snaps). Obviously brought a lot of energy and leadership to the D as well. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) November 1, 2019