Houston Texans star defensive lineman J.J. Watt proved Saturday that it’s possible.
49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander could follow the same timeline for his return from mid-season surgery to repair a torn pectoral.
Alexander has a “good chance” of playing Saturday in the 49ers’ NFC divisional-round game, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, citing league sources.
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Watt sustained his torn pectoral four days before Alexander was injured on Oct. 31 when he reached out with his left arm and dove to tackle Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake.
Watt played 52 snaps in the Texans’ 22-19 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Watt registered one tackle, one sack and two quarterback hurries. Alexander said he communicated with Watt in recent weeks as they worked to get back on the field for the playoffs.
Alexander returned to practice last week. He wore a blue jersey to signify that he was off-limits for contact. Alexander said he would be able to play in the 49ers’ first playoff game if he was cleared by the team’s medical staff.
“Whatever coach tells me,” Alexander said. “I’m going to be ready for whatever situation it is. I’ll be prepared if it is.”
San Francisco 49ers
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Shanahan acknowledged last week that Alexander could return to play. Before watching Alexander practice, Shanahan expressed doubt that he would be available for the 49ers’ first playoff game.
“He’s coming along,” Shanahan said on Monday, the last time he spoke with the media. “There’s definitely going to be a chance. I don’t think that’ll be this week. But if we’re fortunate enough to win our first game, I think he could have a chance after that, so we’re still holding out hope for that. We’ll see how it goes over this next couple of weeks.”