Alexander activated, will play vs. Vikings
SANTA CLARA >> Linebacker Kwon Alexander’s comeback is a go.
Defensive tackle Kentavius Street’s comeback is done.
Alexander officially got activated from the injured-reserve list Friday by the 49ers, who’ll host the Minnesota Vikings in today’s NFC divisional round playoff game at Levi’s Stadium.
In the corresponding roster move, the 49ers returned Street to injured reserve, where he spent most of this season until making his debut over the final three games of the regular season. He showed up on this week’s injury report and was limited in practice because of a lingering knee issue.
Alexander tore his left pectoral muscle Oct. 31 at Arizona, and although he only returned to practice last week, he’s kept up his conditioning and should play a factor against the Vikings, albeit in a part-time role.
When Alexander got hurt, rookie Dre Greenlaw shifted from strong-side linebacker to the weak-side spot, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh doesn’t want to now bench Greenlaw, who made a heroic stop near the goal line to save the 49ers’ Dec. 29 win at Seattle.
“Dre Greenlaw has done such a good job over the course of the year, I still want to make sure he’s included in the game plan and all that stuff,” Saleh said.
Linebacker Fred Warner expects big things from Alexander, saying: ““Whenever he’s in the game, I expect him to have a big impact. Obviously, his legs are fresh, he’s ready to go. He’s always talking about how he’s going to get the ball before I am. We got that on the line. I am expecting him to have a pretty big impact for us.”
VIKINGS MOVES >> The Vikings ruled out backup safety Jayron Kearse (toe, knee) and put nickel back Mackensie Alexander (knee) on injured reserve.
Cornerback Nate Meadors was promoted off the practice squad. The 5-foot-11, undrafted rookie played against the Raiders and Packers before spending the past three months on the practice squad. EXTRA POINTS >> Parking lots open at 9:35 a.m., four hours before kickoff. Faithful Mile and premium-ticket gates open at 10:35 a.m., and all stadium gates open at 11:35 a.m.
• Former 49ers linebacker Dan Bunz, best known for his goal-line stop in Super Bowl XVI, will sound the pregame foghorn.
• Tony Lindsay, former lead vocalist for Santana, will perform the national anthem. The halftime show will feature hip hop pioneers Tone Loc, Young MC and the Sugar Hill Gang.