The 49ers update on LB Dre Greenlaw is bad news

The 49ers’ update on linebacker Dre Greenlaw is more bad news for San Francisco’s defensive star.

Greenlaw was originally considered questionable to return to Sunday’s contest against Miami at Hard Rock Stadium, but was officially ruled out of the game with a right calf injury.

Since returning from a torn Achilles tendon in Super Bowl LVIII, Greenlaw has missed each of the two games he has played for the 49ers this season.

After missing the first 13 games of the 49ers season, Greenlaw returned in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Greenlaw quickly made his presence felt, recording eight tackles against Los Angeles. But Greenlaw left midway through with Achilles tendon and knee pain.

“Greenlaw’s Achilles knee has recovered well, so he’s just dealing with a bit of pain. He should be fine going forward,” Shanahan said of Greenlaw the day after the Rams’ loss.

Greenlaw was injury-prone during his six-year tenure with the 49ers. Greenlaw was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and was a star for San Francisco while healthy.

However, keeping Greenlaw healthy and available has been a challenge, as the 49ers linebacker has been sidelined at times with nagging quadriceps, groin, calf and hamstring injuries.

Greenlaw may become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. With the 49ers, the difference between Greenlaw being healthy and not healthy is stark.

San Francisco’s defense limits opponents to 19.7 points per game and has a 44-19 record in 63 regular season games with Greenlaw. In 34 games without Greenlaw, San Francisco is just 16-18 and allowing 21.1 points per game.

The 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker recorded 127 and 120 tackles in the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons, respectively.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers update on LB Dre Greenlaw is bad news