Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is inching closer to his long-awaited return to the football field after suffering a torn Achilles in February. The San Francisco 49ers have targeted Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams for his potential 2024 season debut. However, that is far from guaranteed.
Since opening Greenlaw's practice window on November 27, giving the team 21 days to activate the linebacker off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the 49ers have been monitoring his progress. Greenlaw has reportedly looked good in practice.
While the 49ers considered activating him for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, they opted against it, reasoning that the quick turnaround to a Thursday night game could be too demanding for a player who hasn't seen game action in 10 months.
Speaking on Bay Area radio station KNBR Tuesday morning, general manager John Lynch offered an update on Greenlaw's status. When asked if Thursday might mark Greenlaw's return, Lynch responded, "He certainly can. And we'll see if this week is the week. It's the one we've been kind of pointing to."
The 49ers have just one practice scheduled this week, a crucial late Tuesday evening session. It might be Greenlaw's only chance this week to show he is ready to suit up for the primetime clash with the Rams.
"Today, we'll get out there on the practice field, he'll move around, and we'll see where his comfort, where our comfort is, and want to be really smart. It's been a long haul back to—gosh, that's a terrible moment, where I remember it vividly, what happened to Dre, he's down. He's worked his tail off.
"And so, the fact that he's here and nearing that opportunity to get back on the field—and we all know, when you see 57 on the field, what he does for us. So, that will be a huge lift if we get him. If not, we'll wait a week, and we'll have him right when he's out there. But, man, that would be cool."
The 49ers hope that Greenlaw's return will provide a significant boost to their defense. Tuesday's practice marks a pivotal moment in the linebacker's journey back to the football field.
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.