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Vikings vs. 49ers: 5 X-factors for NFC divisional round of playoffs

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 10: Brandon Jacobs #45 of the San Francisco 49ers gets pushed out of bounds after a twenty two yard gain by Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park on August 10, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 17-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 10: Brandon Jacobs #45 of the San Francisco 49ers gets pushed out of bounds after a twenty two yard gain by Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park on August 10, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 17-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Mackensie Alexander, Vikings
Cornerback Mackensie Alexander #20 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Vikings Cornerback Mackensie Alexander Potentially Out

The 49ers may be trending in the right direction, heath-wise, but the same can’t exactly be said for the Vikings.

According to this report from NFL Network’s Mike Pelissero, nickel cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who missed the Wild Card matchup, could also be out for the divisional round against San Francisco:

Defensive back Andrew Sendejo will likely get starting duties at nickel, should Alexander not be able to go.

According to Pro Football Focus, Sendejo allowed two catches on three targets against the Saints, giving up 26 yards while also breaking up a pass. This has been in line with his regular-season totals, allowing catches two-thirds of the time.

The Saints don’t exactly have a deep wide receiver corps, but the 49ers do. Expect Kyle Shanahan to mix and match a combination of wideouts Deebo Samuel and Emmanuel Sanders against Sendejo, going that direction a lot, if the situation allows for it.