SANTA CLARA -- Special-teams ace Blake Costanzo, excused from the past two days of 49ers practices, is expected to be back leading the downfield charge on the coverage teams Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Costanzo, 27, traveled to New Jersey to attend his grandmother's funeral on Thursday. He flew back to the Bay Area to rejoin his teammates Friday before the club leaves for Seattle.Costanzo leads the 49ers with 14 special-teams tackles. He is a big reason punter Andy Lee is on pace to break the NFL single-season net punting record. Lee's current net average is 44.14 yards. Oakland's Shane Lechler set the all-time record in 2009 at 43.85.RELATED: Lee, punt coverage team closing in on record
Costanzo is a strong candidate for the NFC Pro Bowl team, which will be announced on Tuesday. Costanzo finished second in fan voting behind Green Bay's Jarrett Bush. Voting from fans, players and coaches each count one-third toward Pro Bowl selections.
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