D.J. Reed sustained a torn pectoral

San Francisco 49ers defensive back D.J. Reed tweeted that he tore his pectoral and be out for an extended period of time. Rumors were floating around, and Reed confirmed he tore his pectoral yesterday, but he told me there was no information yet on when he was going to have surgery, so I didn’t think there was a rush in getting the news out with respect to D.J.

Kwon Alexander had a similar injury, but Alexander returned for the playoffs wearing a harness. We also don’t know the severity of Reed’s tear, so it’s tough to speculate on his recovery timetable. The recovery time depends on the severity of the strain. A mild pull could heal as soon as a few weeks, while a more serious strain, a partial or complete tear, could cost Reed the entire season. Alexander returned to practice after two months of the tear.

On the field, Reed was the 49ers “next man up” in the slot. When the 49ers went to their “dime” defense down the stretch, Tarvarius Moore would play, and Jimmie Ward would drop down to the slot. Reed will be missed on special teams. I thought he’d win the kick returner job. Now, someone else has an opportunity. We’ll update once more information about Reed’s injury comes out.