The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Divisional Round playoff contest against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expects veteran pass rusher Dee Ford (quadricep, hamstring) to be available on Saturday against the Vikings. The defender returned to practice on Tuesday but was limited and remained in a blue no-contact jersey.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander continues to be limited as he works his way back from a torn pectoral muscle suffered on October 31, 2019. The 49ers opened the practice window for Alexander last week, and there is a "good chance" he will be activated off injured reserve before the weekend.
Alexander has been medically cleared to return. Now, it's just up to Shanahan and the coaching staff to make the call. How the linebacker looks this week during practice will determine whether or not he returns on Saturday.
Kwon Alexander has been cleared by the medical staff. Saturday's availability is now on Kyle Shanahan and the coaching staff. #49ers pic.twitter.com/eCSmtxFGNG
— Keiana Martin (@KeianaMartinTV) January 7, 2020
Because Alexander is still officially on injured reserve, he is not listed on the team-issued injury report below. He was limited during Tuesday's practice, though.
Ford and Alexander might not be the only defensive reinforcements the 49ers get back for the playoffs. Safety Jaquiski Tartt was inactive for San Francisco's final four games of the regular season due to a rib injury but was a full participant during Tuesday's practice.
"He's full go," Shanahan said.
Guard Mike Person, who is dealing with a neck injury, and defensive lineman Kentavius Street (knee) were also limited.
Below are Tuesday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Vikings, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff.
San Francisco 49ers Tuesday Practice
Limited Participation in Practice
DE Dee Ford (quadricep, hamstring), G Mike Person (neck), DE Kentavius Street (knee)
Minnesota Vikings Tuesday Practice
Did Not Participate In Practice
CB Mackensie Alexander (knee), WR Stefon Diggs (illness), DT Linval Joseph (knee), S Jayron Kearse (toe, knee)
Full Participation in Practice
TE Tyler Conklin (knee), RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder), G Josh Kline (elbow), DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (hamstring), CB Xavier Rhodes (ankle, shoulder), DT Shamar Stephen (knee), DE Stephen Weatherly (foot)
