The San Francisco 49ers plan to open linebacker Dre Greenlaw's practice window this week, paving the way for his highly anticipated return to the field. Greenlaw is slated to join his teammates at practice on Wednesday, providing a significant boost to the defense, even if his game-day availability isn't immediate.
By opening Greenlaw's practice window, the 49ers trigger a 21-day period to activate him from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. This process mirrors the rules for players returning from injured reserve. If Greenlaw begins practicing on Wednesday, the 49ers have until Wednesday, December 18, to make a final decision on his status.
On Tuesday morning, general manager John Lynch discussed Greenlaw's potential return during an interview with Bay Area radio station KNBR. When asked if the linebacker is expected to suit up this season, Lynch expressed optimism.
"Oh, I think that's the expectation," Lynch said. "I think that's very realistic."
Lynch is eager to see Greenlaw back on the practice field as he ramps up his recovery from the torn Achilles suffered in February—an injury that was once considered career-ending. Now, just over nine months later, Greenlaw is on the verge of completing his comeback.
"And so, it's going to be really cool to see 57 out there on that field," Lynch said. "It will be even better when we get him back in game action. That would be foolish, though, to have a guy be off this long, stick him out for his first practice. We try to simulate as much with the trainers. They do a great job. But now, it's a next step of his rehab process, getting into practice, which I'm really proud of Dre, with the way he's attacked this.
"He's a difference-maker for us on the field, but we're inspired just by watching him out here. So, hats off to the kid for working his tail off. I love Dre Greenlaw and what he's brought to the Niners. And I'm really proud and excited for him, that he's taking this next step."
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.