The San Francisco 49ers have officially opened linebacker Dre Greenlaw's 21-day practice window, giving the team until Wednesday, December 18, to activate him from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have opened the practice window for LB Dre Greenlaw (Physically Unable to Perform List).
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 27, 2024
Greenlaw will practice on Wednesday as the 49ers prepare for their Sunday night matchup against the Buffalo Bills. This will be the linebacker's first on-field participation since tearing his Achilles during the Super Bowl in February. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Greenlaw will be a limited practice participant as the team ramps up the recovering player's workload.
"We'll see how it goes," Shanahan said before practice. "I mean, it'll be awesome just having him on the field today. When Dre's around, whether it's on the field, in meeting rooms, he's 100% ball. Everyone loves him in here, and just watching him fly around out there today will be real fun."
Once activated, Greenlaw's return, provided he can regain his pre-injury form, is expected to bolster the 49ers' defense.
"He's a difference-maker for us on the field, but we're inspired just by watching him out here," general manager John Lynch shared on Monday. "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."
Lynch emphasized that the team plans to ease Greenlaw back into action, noting that opening his practice window is just the latest step in his rehabilitation.
Last season, Greenlaw tallied 120 tackles, including five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, four passes defended, and 1.5 sacks over 15 games.