San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch provided an update on linebacker Dre Greenlaw during his appearance on KNBR Friday morning, offering insight into the defender's recovery progress.
The 49ers opened Greenlaw's practice window on November 27. While he won't suit up for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, there's optimism he could be activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list in time for next Thursday night's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
"We haven't decided fully yet, but we'll see how this week goes," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. "But most likely Rams, hopefully."
Lynch echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the plan remains for Greenlaw to return against the Rams. The Bears game, he noted, carries added importance in setting the stage for Greenlaw's comeback.
"It's been an awesome lift to have him on the field," Lynch said. "He's just such an explosive athlete. He's such a force of nature for our team. He's one of those spirits that, when he's out there, we're better, and he's brought that already."
Lynch also shared that Greenlaw has impressed in practice, showing promise as he works toward a return. Even before the 49ers opened his practice window, Greenlaw looked sharp working on the side with trainers, who simulated game scenarios to ease his transition.
"We kind of have had that target date of the Rams on Thursday night, and hopefully, we're still on that," Lynch continued. "It's kind of a day-by-day thing. We're going to make sure he's right. But it's even more important to win a game like this (against the Bears) because you get a guy like that who we all know what he does for our football team when he's out there."
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.