A popular topic on the minds of New Orleans Saints fans this week has been whether Kwon Alexander would suit up to play against the San Francisco 49ers team that traded him to New Orleans not too long ago. The linebacker was granted a one-week roster exemption to go through COVID-19 testing protocol and acclimate to his new surroundings, which expired on Tuesday.
From there, it was a process of picking up the playbook and new terminology. And joining his new teammates in practice so coaches could see how he compares to players he might be replacing.
And when asked if he would be playing this week in his introductory media conference call on Friday, all Alexander could do was grin and answer the affirmative.
“Oh, I’ll be playing on Sunday. I’ll be out there, man. I’ll be working with the squad. I’ll be out there,” he added, “Full go.”
Alexander’s arrival should push linebacker Demario Davis back to his natural spot on the weak side, where he was a first-team All-Pro in 2019. A career middle linebacker, Alexander is a logical fit to patrol the center of the field, slotting in ahead of fourth-year pro Alex Anzalone.
We won’t know for sure if Alexander is starting against his old team until they all take the field, but he doesn’t sound like someone expecting to play a bit part. Given his familiarity with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, it makes sense for the Saints to get him reps in what may be a favorable situation.
