The San Francisco 49ers defense could receive a significant lift for the playoffs. When the unit takes the field on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings, it may have three key contributors back in the lineup.
Linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral), defensive end Dee Ford (hamstring), and safety Jaquiski Tartt (ribs) are expected to play in the team's first playoff game since the 2013 season. All three continue to practice with the team this week, and Alexander could be activated off of injured reserve before Saturday.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh spoke with reporters after Wednesday's practice and shared what having Alexander and Ford back on the field means to the team. He believes Alexander has a few more hurdles to overcome before the coaches officially decide whether or not to allow him to play. Still, it sounds likely that the linebacker will contribute to the upcoming Super Bowl run.
"Having Kwon is exciting," Saleh said. "He brings a lot of juice, a lot of energy. Even at practice, if there's a lull in practice, he's the first to speak up to get guys going.
"And 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."
Second-year linebacker Fred Warner described having Alexander back at practice as "legendary."
"It's been really great," Warner continued. "It's just a different swag and energy out there when he's on the field. It's great having him back out there. He looks great, so it should be fun having him back out there this weekend."
Added Warner: "Whenever he's in the game, I expect him to have a big impact. I think, obviously, his legs are fresh, he's ready to go. He's always talking about how he's going to get the ball before I am, so we've got that on the line. I'm expecting him to have a pretty big impact for us."
As for Ford...
"Dee's coming along good," Saleh shared. "The same thing; he's got some things to work through this week too, but so far, so good."
Saleh went on to explain Ford's impact in the game, and how other defensive teammates benefit from his presence.
"When you've got a guy like Dee Ford who possesses the speed he does off the edge, it creates so much space for the guys inside," Saleh said. "Whenever you've got a guy outside that can create the space where you've got a true one-on-one, where they can't get a hand on you, there's no makeshift double team. It just makes everybody on the defensive line better. It kind of unlocks everything.
"He's a major asset. That's why he's one of the best in football. ... Hopefully, he continues to move in the right direction, and we can get him back."
Cornerback Richard Sherman is excited to get the reinforcements of Alexander, Ford, and Tartt for the playoffs.
"It will be great," Sherman said on Wednesday. "Those are three veteran players, who are starters on this defense, who make an impact, and they all play at a high level. So it will be great to have them back.
DeForest Buckner feels the same way as the veteran cornerback. The star defensive tackle is looking forward to having that kind of energy back on the football field.
"Obviously, Kwon always brings the energy," Buckner said. "Having him on the field is a good feeling. Dee and Jaquiski, having them out there, running around with the team, trying to get back in the flow of things, it's definitely encouraging. ... They look pretty good. I know they're all excited.
"Like I said, having their presence out there is really big, especially for the defense, the morale. Seeing them go through their drills in some of the (practice) periods, they look really good."
Buckner noted that having Ford back, paired with rookie defensive end Nick Bosa on the other side, makes things a lot easier for the rest of the defense. Opposing offenses have to focus so much on the pass rush along the edges, that it frees up players like Buckner.
Warner said having the trio of defenders return provides a confidence boost for an already dangerous defensive unit.
"I think it's been a while since we've had all those guys back on the field together," Warner said. "The more weapons we have, the more powerful we're going to be on Saturday."