Some much-needed good news for 49ers.
Dre Greenlaw, a player many would argue is the emotional leader of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense, had his practice window opened this week.
That news is welcome for 49ers fans, although it may not be as significant as it perhaps should be.
While many 49ers fans would agree with me that things just have not quite been the same since Greenlaw’s Achilles tear in the Super Bowl – an injury that seemed unfathomable given how innocuous it was – their performance to date in 2024 means Greenlaw’s return may not be as impactful as originally hoped.
In no way should anyone downplay the achievement for Greenlaw himself. Getting back on to the field after such a devastating injury is no small feat.
It will still be fantastic to see him flying around the field once again. He has been sorely missed in the 49ers’ linebacking corps, particularly given Fred Warner has been playing through injury since Week 4.
A healthy Greenlaw should give the 49ers their trademark intensity and physicality back.
Too little, too late?
However, it could well be the case that Greenlaw’s return comes too late to save the 49ers’ season.
At this season’s outset, the idea was that Greenlaw would return around this time, play himself up to speed for the remainder of the season, and then be at full health in the playoffs to drive San Francisco to another Super Bowl berth.
In practice, it seems unreasonable to expect a player coming off an injury as serious as an Achilles tear to help push his team to an unlikely division title and resulting playoff appearance.
There is also the point that Greenlaw should not have to be asked to make such a contribution. The 49ers’ 2024 record should be far better than 5-6 at the time of writing.
One final complication is Greenlaw’s contract situation. This is the final year of Greenlaw’s contract, and the 49ers’ cap situation means no chances can be taken in this upcoming offseason.
It could well be that Greenlaw is playing for his future with the Niners, which again seems a tad unfair.
This is a complicated situation, in a complicated and puzzling season that needs to improve very quickly for the 49ers. The only uncomplicated element is that it will be great to see Greenlaw around the football once again.
