It seemed pretty clear that the San Francisco 49ers would activate linebacker Kwon Alexander off of injured reserve before the team's Divisional Round playoff game on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers opened up the practice window for the linebacker last week.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after Thursday's practice that the 49ers would indeed activate Alexander off of injured reserve. That move will happen on Friday.
The team will need to make a corresponding roster move to make room for the linebacker. Shanahan didn't want to tip his hand on what that move might be but said that he has a pretty good idea which player might be impacted. The deadline for roster moves is Friday at 1 p.m. PT.
"We've got more time to think about it, so we'll wait until 12:59 tomorrow," Shanahan told reporters.
Alexander suffered a torn pectoral muscle during an October 31, 2019 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It was thought to be a season-ending injury, but the linebacker will be available just over two months after landing on injured reserve.
Alexander recorded 34 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through eight starts this season before the injury. Saturday will be the first playoff game for the fifth-year veteran.