49ers newcomer Eric Kendricks fortunate to play playoff role on inspired team

PHILADELPHIA — The 49ers’ 23-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles might have seemed like an “against all odds” matchup to those outside of team headquarters, but linebacker Eric Kendricks shares that inside the building, the mentality is the complete opposite. “I’m just so blown away with the leadership on this team,” Kendricks said after the game. “Guys like Brock Purdy are just —exactly what you see, is exactly what you get in the building. These guys are true professionals. The best of the best. They do it the right way. They hold each other accountable. “They show up with a great attitude. They work through injuries, they work through turmoil and adversity and I’m just blessed to be in the position that I’m in.” Kendricks joined the team in late November, signing to the practice squad to start. The 11-year veteran was a target of the front office one year prior, but the linebacker chose to sign with the Dallas Cowboys instead. Kendricks appeared in 15 games in 2024, but dealt with a shoulder injury, which had an impact on his performance. With fresh legs after joining the 49ers,...