Live from Detroit: Kwon Alexander Joins Lions Practice Squad Ahead of 49ers Clash
The Detroit Lions may face a familiar foe when they visit the San Francisco 49ers in Glendale, California. On December 28, the Lions made roster moves that included adding veteran linebacker Kwon Alexander to their practice squad.
The team’s official X account confirmed:
“#Lions announce roster moves: Signed DB Morice Norris to the Active Roster from the Practice Squad. Signed LB Kwon Alexander to the Practice Squad.”
Alexander’s Rollercoaster Journey in Detroit
Alexander recently started two games for the Lions in early December, stepping in to address defensive injury concerns. However, after a tough 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, Detroit released him.
While Alexander is only joining the practice squad for now, his familiarity with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan adds intrigue. Alexander played under Shanahan during his stint in San Francisco, and though he didn’t overlap with the current 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, he does share a history with stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
Alexander’s Career: Promise and Setbacks
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker started his career with promise, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2017. However, injuries, including a torn ACL in 2018, disrupted his trajectory.
The 49ers signed Alexander to a lucrative four-year, $54 million deal in 2019, but the move didn’t pan out. After playing only 15 games for San Francisco, he was traded to the New Orleans Saints during the 2020 season. Since then, Alexander has had stints with the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos, often serving as a short-term option for teams in need.
Detroit’s injury woes have made Alexander a valuable depth piece, and while it’s unclear if he’ll suit up against the 49ers, his presence could be crucial heading into the playoffs.
Dan Campbell Reflects on Last Year’s NFC Championship Loss
The Lions’ rematch with San Francisco comes nearly a year after their heartbreaking 2024 NFC Championship loss, where the 49ers mounted a stunning 17-point comeback to win after trailing 24-7.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell admitted the loss still stings:
“Just like my second year in the league, we go to the Super Bowl and get smashed by Baltimore,” Campbell told ESPN. “I won’t ever forget that either. So those stick with you. We just didn’t do enough. You learn from every experience. Unfortunately, that’s the best way to learn is from the losses. It really is.”
What’s at Stake in Week 17
With a 13-2 record, Detroit is on track for the NFC’s No. 1 seed if they can defeat the 49ers and Minnesota Vikings in their final two games. Meanwhile, San Francisco will look to channel their playoff magic from last season and play spoiler to the Lions’ hopes.
Stay tuned as these two powerhouse teams clash in a game loaded with playoff implications and lingering history.
