Don't expect to see linebacker Kwon Alexander back on the field with his San Francisco 49ers teammates for their first playoff game on Saturday, January 11.
After that? Maybe.
That's the impression head coach Kyle Shanahan gave during a conference call with reporters on Monday.
Alexander has said he believes there's a "high chance" he could return for the playoffs after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. At the time, it seemed season-ending, and fans wouldn't see the star linebacker again until next season.
Alexander is eligible to come off of injured reserve, though, and the 49ers can bring back one more player from the designation. Should San Francisco win its first playoff game, there is a chance the linebacker could return.
"He's coming along," Shanahan said of Alexander's recovery. "There's definitely going to be a chance. I don't think that will be this week, but if we're fortunate enough to win our first game, I think he could have a chance after that.
"We're still holding out hope for that, but we'll see how it goes over these next couple of weeks."
Alexander finished the regular season with 34 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through eight starts. He was seen as one of the defense's best players before his injury. If healthy, a return could be a significant boost for the 49ers.