“Grey’s Anatomy” fans won’t be the only ones reaching for a tissue when the ABC medical drama returns in February. According to a fresh trailer for the Season 12 winter premiere, the surgeons of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital will also be in desperate need of a Kleenex following Meredith’s (Ellen Pompeo) horrific attack — especially Alex (Justin Chambers).

In the new promo video it’s revealed that the person who viciously attacks Meredith is a patient … a big and very strong patient. Meredith’s unruly assailant flings her around the room like a rag doll before slamming the tiny doctor into a glass cabinet and then the floor, which is where she lays paralyzed in fear — or perhaps from her injuries.

When Alex sees his friend, confidant and “person” suffering from the attack he’s unable to control his emotions, leaving Richard (James Pickens, Jr.) and the gang in charge of mending his broken friend.

But, according to Pickens, its necessary for Chamber’s character to pull himself together for the sake of Meredith. After all, her life is in all of their hands.

"[Meredith’s attack] makes us realize how much of a family Seattle Grace really is and how in times of trauma and times of turmoil, how you come together for the common good,” the actor told E! News. “In this case, it's saving her life basically."

So can Alex collect himself to save Meredith? Well, while we’re not sure how much medical significance Alex will hold, it is safe to say that he will be a necessary emotional crutch for Mer during the heart-wrenching encounter. (You did see that tear-jerking forehead kiss, right?) This means Alex will have to put his own issues on the back burner; like his unanswered marriage proposal — you know, the one Jo (Camilla Luddington) left uncomfortable dangling during the show's hiatus.

“Grey’s Anatomy” will return with its midseason 12 premiere on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

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