Help on the way as Alexander goes on IR
Lee, Celek join team after linebacker shut down for the season
SANTA CLARA — Elijah Lee came up from the San Francisco 49ers practice squad Tuesday, as the 49ers adjusted their linebacker corps, following last week’s season-ending injury to Kwon Alexander.
Also, tight end Garrett Celek had his 21-day practice window opened, having lingered on the physically-unable-to-perform list because of offseason back surgery.
Lee’s return to the 53-man roster shouldn’t be a surprise considering he started the final four games last season and played in 30 of the previous 31 since his last practice-squad promotion.
But Lee is unlikely to step into the starting lineup. Rookie Dre Greenlaw figures to replace Alexander at weak-side linebacker next to Fred Warner.
Alexander was to undergo surgery Tuesday on a torn pectoral muscle. He got injured making a tackle in Thursday’s 28-25 win at Arizona.
Alexander’s energy and speed have been a noticeable upgrade to a 49ers defense that’s keyed the team’s 8-0 start. His exit is not akin, however, to losing linebacker Patrick Willis or NaVorro Bowman in past playoff-caliber seasons, seeing how this year’s defense is reliant upon the defensive line.
More 49ers reinforcements could be coming ahead of Monday night’s visit by the Seattle Seahawks. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee) and left tackle Joe Staley (fibula) are likely to return from extended absences, as might right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot).
Celek is an eighth-year veteran and the team’s longest-tenured player behind Staley. The 49ers tight end group has excelled thus far with Ross Dwelley and Levine Toilolo complementing Pro Bowler George Kittle, and Celek could at the very least provide insurance if Toilolo’s groin injury worsens.
The 49ers have a light, bonus practice today after a four-day break, then resume full-scale workouts Thursday.
Replacing Lee on the practice squad is fellow linebacker Christian Sam, a 2018 sixth-round draft pick by the New England Patriots who spent his rookie year on injured reserve and part of this past September on the Miami Dolphins practice squad.