49ers injury updates: Kwon Alexander and Jimmie Ward return to practice

The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field on Thursday, where linebacker Kwon Alexander returned from a high-ankle sprain. Alexander did not practice on Wednesday. You have to imagine Kwon is itching to play with his teammates, as he missed both games against the Seahawks during 2019. Safety Jimmie Ward returned to practice on Thursday. He missed the Patriots game with a strained quad that he suffered during last Thursday’s practice. Jason Verrett also practiced after having a veteran’s day off on Wednesday.

For the second day in a row, tight end Jordan Reed, cornerback K’Waun Williams, and running back Tevin Coleman practiced. Whether they play Sunday or next Thursday, that’s a big positive for the 49ers.

Players who did not practice:

WR Deebo Samuel (hamstring)

WR Richie James (ankle)

RB Jeff Wilson (ankle)

SS Jaquiski Tartt (groin)

This video is promising for Alexander:

The 49ers have done a fantastic job of masking the injuries. There have been so many that you almost forget the amount of talent that’s on the injured reserve. More evidence that Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh should be candidates for coach and assistant of the year.

Speaking of possible awards, Fred Warner is fifth odds-wise for Defensive Player of the Year, per Betonline. Saleh had high praise for Warner Thursday afternoon. He said, “the mental makeup is damn near identical,” when asked about the comparison between Warner and Seattle’s star linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Here is Thursday’s practice report:

Limited:

LB K. Alexander (ankle)

FS J. Ward (quad)

Didn’t practice:

WR R. James (ankle)

WR D. Samuel (hamstring)

SS J. Tartt (groin)

RB J. Wilson (ankle)