The San Francisco 49ers are looking to regain a key part of their defense as their season teeters on the brink of failure.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on a conference call Monday that the team will open the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw before the Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills.
Greenlaw tore his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl in February and has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp.
By opening the 21-day practice window, the 49ers have three weeks to decide whether to activate Greenlaw or keep him on IR for the remainder of the season.
Before the injury, Greenlaw was one of the fastest-rising stars at linebacker in the NFL. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he recorded 247 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups and one interception. Along with Fred Warner, he formed perhaps the best linebacker duo in the NFL.
The 49ers have sorely missed Greenlaw on the second level of defense. While De'Vondre Campbell has been better of late, his lack of athleticism and coverage ability has allowed teams to thrive in the midfield in ways they couldn't when Greenlaw and Warner were there.
It's unclear if Greenlaw will be able to play in time to make an impact, but it's good news for him that he'll be able to practice at this point in the year and have a chance to return before hitting free agency in the offseason . The 49ers may plan to bring him back no matter what, but they could also rule him out and not risk further injury if they are officially eliminated from the playoffs.
However, if Greenlaw returns to playing at a high level, it would provide a huge boost to the 49ers' defense at one of its weakest positions.
