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.
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)
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Colts injury report: Ricky Pearsall misses second straight practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ricky Pearsall missed his second straight practice after suffering ankle and knee injuries against the Tennessee Titans. The... -
49ers vs. Colts injury report: 6 players miss practice ahead of MNF clash
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Because linebacker Erick Kendricks is on the practice squad, the 49ers do not need to report his practice status. Head... -
49ers Notebook: Dee Winters recaps his pick six; Two rookies notch first NFL sacks; Jauan Jennings the troll
Things didn't start out too well for the 49ers defense in their 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, but by the time the game was over, there were a few memorable highlights for multiple players on that side of the ball. Leading the way in that regard was... -
49ers injury updates: Ricky Pearsall held out of Thursday's practice
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will not take part in Thursday's practice—the team's first on-field session of the week—as he continues to recover from multiple injuries. Pearsall was banged up during Sunday's win over the Tennessee Titans, first suffering...