The Houston Texans received a massive boost from JJ Watt in Saturday’s win over the Buffalo Bills, and it was in some ways unexpected. Watt worked his way back from a torn pectoral muscle he suffered just three months ago, and the San Francisco 49ers are hoping one of their defensive stars can do the same.
Niners linebacker Kwon Alexander was assumed to be out for the season when he suffered a torn pec muscle in Week 9, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that he has a chance to play in the divisional round next weekend. Like Watt, Alexander has recovered much quicker than expected.
Alexander and Watt are not yet fully healthy, and they are accepting the risk that they could re-injure the same muscle.
In addition to Alexander, the 49ers are expected to get pass-rusher Dee Ford back next week. Ford missed the final three games of the regular season with quad and hamstring injuries. He has 6.5 sacks on the season.
Alexander had 34 total tackles in eight games before suffering the pec injury on Oct. 31.
