San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander wasn't expected to return to the football field until after the team's first playoff game — if at all. Now, it would seem that the linebacker may be on track to pull a J.J. Watt-type return of his own.

Alexander, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle on October 31, 2019, is poised to return for the 49ers' first playoff game on Saturday, January 11, when the team hosts the lowest-seeded team to emerge from today's playoff games, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.


"Watt knew and spoke about the risk of reinjury, and Alexander is aware of the same risk," wrote Schefter. "But, like Watt, he believes the risk is worth it."

Much to the surprise of reporters, Alexander returned to practice this past week, following the 49ers' Week 17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco announced that it had opened the practice window for the linebacker, which means his roster activation might not be far ahead.


"I'm just happy to be back out there," Alexander told reporters on Thursday. "It was fun to be back. Just trying to get ready (to play)."

Alexander, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing with the 49ers on March 11, 2019, finished the regular season with 34 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks, four passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through eight starts before the injury.

"In my mindset, I've always been legendary," Alexander continued. "Just keep my mindset correct, don't put myself down. A lot of times, you go through those things and those injuries, and it's a hard time. I just stayed up. My teammates, they've been lifting me up. I'm just ready to get back, honestly."

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