The San Francisco 49ers are encouraged by linebacker Dre Greenlaw's progress as he works his way back from a torn Achilles suffered in February. While Greenlaw remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism about the linebacker's eventual return to the field this season.
"He had a real good week," Shanahan told reporters on Friday. "It was great for him to get him back out there. It was great for us. We loved having him around. Just that first week of coming off the Achilles, I think it's so crucial for the confidence of a guy."
Greenlaw participated in scout team reps and individual drills during practice, showing promising signs of recovery.
"It was a great week, and hopefully, next week will be even better," Shanahan added, noting that Greenlaw moved well on the field.
Shanahan explained that while players returning from Achilles injuries may look physically ready, regaining confidence in their movements is critical.
"When guys come back, they come back healthy," Shanahan said. "So, guys come back, and they can move, they've got fresh legs, they can go. But it's about getting that confidence to react. They've been moving full speed for a while before they come back to football. But when you come back to football, it's not really planned running and stuff. You've gotta react, and cover people, and backpedal, and stop on a dime, and go explode forward.
"So, it's more about guys just getting that confidence because it's such a traumatic injury, ripping your Achilles and stuff. So he moved great. It's just about building that stamina, building that confidence up so he's ready to get into a football game."
Greenlaw will not be activated for Sunday night's game against the Buffalo Bills. Still, Shanahan didn't rule out the possibility of the linebacker suiting up the following week against the Chicago Bears. However, the coach suggested it might be unlikely due to the team's schedule.
"I think they're open to it, but also, the game after, that's a Thursday night game, so I think that makes it a little harder," Shanahan explained. "So, we've got to see how he feels and stuff. But with those games being so close, that's a problem, too.
"So, I'm not going to decide at all right now. We'll see how next week goes, but I'd say it would be an outside chance."