It is Week 3 of the preseason, which is often referred to as the "dress rehearsal" for NFL teams. Starters are typically on the field longer than other exhibition matchups and don't usually play in the last, so it will likely be the only preseason action for both linebackers.
We already knew Alexander would play. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday night that was the plan. Fans eager to see him lined up next to last season's surprise rookie defensive star, Warner, won't have to wait beyond Saturday.
"That's the plan, to give them game action," defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters before Wednesday's team practice.
Saleh said the plan was always to hold Alexander out during the 49ers' first two preseason games.
"With Fred, he's taken a good amount of reps in preseason through practice and all that," he added. "Just taking care of them."
The 49ers signed Alexander to a four-year deal in March even though the linebacker was coming off an ACL injury. He has been able to participate in all of training camp.
"I'll give credit, one, to him with his work ethic," Saleh said of Alexander. "Two, to the performance staff, and the plan that they've had for him, and everybody executing it. He's coming along well. He's made great strides from his first day of practice until now, so I'm excited to get him out there and see what he does for his first game action."
Saleh added, "Like I said, it's no pressure for him to go and be great, an All-Pro in his first preseason action. It's just go out there, get his game reps in and get back comfortable playing football."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers LB Fred Warner hit with massive fines from Commanders game
The NFL announced on Saturday that San Francisco 49ers LB Fred Warner has been fined a total of $65,673 for two fourth-quarter plays in his team's 23-17 victory over the Washington Commanders on Monday night. Warner was fined $47,762 for use of the helmet and $17,911 for a hit... -
49ers Are Dominating the Red Zone on Both Sides of the Ball
The San Francisco 49ers have established themselves as one of the NFL's most efficient offenses this season, and their performance inside the red zone has been a major reason why. Through the first six games, San Francisco has scored a touchdown on 86% of its red-zone trips,... -
Commanders plan to rule out leading rusher vs. 49ers
It looks like the San Francisco 49ers won't face Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt on Monday night. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Washington plans to rule out the second-year player for its Week 6 matchup at Levi's Stadium. Commanders plan to rule... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan defends Dre Greenlaw, says linebacker is remorseful
The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw when they face quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Monday night. The NFL suspended Greenlaw for one game after he headbutted Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV on the...