The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field Thursday as they prepare for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive tackle Jullian Taylor returned to practice for the first time this month after suffering an elbow injury. That would be a big boost for the line, as he’d be the only player over 300 pounds. He’s still probably a week away, as Taylor has been ruled out for Saturday’s game.

Another day without Jaquiski Tartt, as he continues to recover from fractured ribs. Dee Ford didn’t practice but was reportedly working out hard on the side of the field. That’s a great sign moving forward that Ford can run, as he’s dealing with a hamstring injury. He’s likely going to continue to test it and see if there’s any soreness the next day. I can’t imagine how frustrating this season has been for him.

Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Richard Sherman is good to go. K’Waun Williams isn’t on the injury report, either. Mike Person is listed as questionable. If he can’t play, Daniel Brunskill or Justin Skule will play guard. Not the best team to have a backup tackle play guard.

Is it really going to happen?

Earlier this week, linebacker Kwon Alexander popped up in the news when Kendrick Bourne put a video on his Instagram story that Alexander was catching a pass and running around. Bourne was on 95.7 The Game Thursday and added fuel to the fire that is Alexander’s return:

Kwon Alexander told Kendrick Bourne there’s a “high chance” he comes back for the playoffs pic.twitter.com/XEK9u4WxS4 — 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 19, 2019

“There’s a possibility that we get all the way there, it’s a high chance.” Bourne talked about how well Alexander looked after coming off an ACL injury early, and how Kwon should be able to play through a pectoral injury. The question is, what determines “all the way there?” Just the playoffs? The Super Bowl? A first-round bye? I guess we’ll find out when we get there.

Here is the injury report heading into Friday’s game:

OUT

DE Dee Ford (quadricep, hamstring)

S Jaquiski Tartt (ribs)

DT Jullian Taylor (elbow)

Questionable

G Mike Person (neck)