Greenlaw’s statement on the early exit from the 49ers’ triumphant comeback against the Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA – Dre Greenlaw made an immediate impact in the first half of the 49ers’ 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but it looked like he was experiencing some discomfort while walking after the game.

At halftime, the linebacker led the team with eight total tackles, three solo, in his debut for the 2024 NFL season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury just ten months ago in Super Bowl LVIII. Later, in the third quarter, Greenlaw was seen on the sidelines without a helmet and ended up sitting on the bench until the end of the game.

“The knee just felt a little weird, so I wanted to protect myself a little bit,” Greenlaw explained after the game. “The knee just didn’t feel right, everything was a bit tight. I just had to make sure to handle it carefully.”

Greenlaw added that his repaired Achilles heel felt fine, but it was the knee on the same surgically repaired leg that was causing him concern. Hopefully the 49ers’ long weekend will give the defenseman enough time to recover before their Week 16 game in Miami against the Dolphins.

Aside from the soreness and postgame discomfort, Greenlaw simply enjoyed being back on the field with his teammates, even after a loss. The defense kept the Rams out of the end zone for four quarters with the linebacker’s contribution.

“It felt good,” Greenlaw said. “Just being out there with my brothers, running around and having fun. It felt good.”

Greenlaw is scheduled to be a free agent in 2025 and is a player the 49ers would like to keep in the building. While Greenlaw is linked to the 49ers as the team that selected him in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he could demand a higher contract than San Francisco could possibly give.

No matter what happens, Greenlaw will be on an NFL field somewhere. The 10 month break from playing made him appreciate the game even more.

“I miss just letting out my frustration and anger,” Greenlaw said. “I just like hitting people sometimes. This lets out a lot of frustration and makes me feel better. I missed everything about it – the fans walking out at Levi’s, playing next to Fred (Warner), the feeling of playing next to him. Everything about it.”

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