When San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander landed on injured reserve on November 5 with a torn pectoral muscle, it was assumed he wouldn't play again until next season.
Could he come back sooner?
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne seems to believe so, according to an Instagram video of the linebacker that he posted, which is shown below courtesy of our friends over at @TheSFNiners.
Kwon Alexander is back on the practice field doing side work.
Note on Kendrick Bourne's IG story: "Kwon said he comin back this year" 👀 pic.twitter.com/yWJp3TwTJZ
— TheSFNiners (@TheSFNiners) December 16, 2019
But is he allowed to return for the playoffs?
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the answer is yes. Although, the 49ers insider suggests that it doesn't mean the team will necessarily allow Alexander to do so. The injury he suffered typically requires six months of recovery. It will have only been maybe (assuming the 49ers earn a first-round bye) two-and-a-half months once the playoffs begin for San Francisco.
I don't think there's any question Kwon Alexander is working toward coming back in the playoffs. I'm sure the #49ers have not completely ruled that out because players on IR are eligible to return during the playoffs. But he's young and they have a lot invested in his future. https://t.co/kc4WN1Y5T8
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) December 17, 2019
As Maiocco notes, players on injured reserve are allowed to return during the playoffs. Teams are permitted to activate up to two players off injured reserve per season, and the 49ers have already done so with defensive lineman Kentavius Street. That leaves one potential activation available. Are the 49ers waiting to see how Alexander progresses?
Alexander suffered his injury during the fourth quarter of San Francisco's Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished the year with 34 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through eight starts, and was easily one of the defense's best players on the football field.