San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is now on the path to recovery following a significant setback during Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Greenlaw underwent successful surgery on Thursday to address a torn Achilles tendon sustained while entering the field from the sideline. He is anticipated to fully recover from the injury.
Greenlaw’s unfortunate incident unfolded during the second quarter of Sunday’s championship game as he joined San Francisco’s defense after a punt return:
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportDre Greenlaw sustained an apparent injury while rejoining the field
Wishing him a speedy recovery 🙏
(via @NFLonCBS)
These Warriors reactions to Klay's late-game foul 😬 pic.twitter.com/3ehLxrrbwl
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024
This week, the NFL featured reactions from players of both the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl edition of Inside the NFL, highlighting the impact of Greenlaw’s injury:
NFL @NFLPlayers from both teams acknowledged the significance of Dre Greenlaw’s injury 💔
Players on both sides recognized the impact of Dre Greenlaw’s injury 💔
(via @NFLFilms) pic.twitter.com/i3JWZdU3qE
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2024
The blow of Greenlaw’s injury was compounded by San Francisco’s 25-22 overtime loss to Kansas City, marking the team’s second Super Bowl defeat against the Chiefs in the past five years.
49ers standout linebacker Fred Warner shared with reporters earlier this week that he had communicated with Greenlaw since Sunday and noted his teammate’s determination to commence the recovery process promptly.
“Undoubtedly, he’s disappointed, but he’s maintaining a positive mindset about it. He’s eager to undergo surgery so he can begin rehabilitation and return to action,” Warner stated. “I am fully confident that he’ll come back even stronger. He possesses the right attitude, and undoubtedly, he’ll bounce back.”
Since being drafted in the fifth round in 2019, Greenlaw has emerged as a key defensive asset for San Francisco over the past few seasons. In 2023, he ranked second on the team with 120 total tackles, in addition to contributing four passes defended and 1.5 sacks.
The 49ers are undoubtedly hoping for Greenlaw’s swift return to the field as they aim to pursue another Super Bowl appearance in the upcoming season.
