The 49ers get good injury news at LB after a devastating injury

The San Francisco 49ers finally got some good injury news.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, linebacker Dre Greenlaw is on track to make his return Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium.

Greenlaw tore his Achilles tendon while coming onto the field during Super Bowl LVIII and has been on the PUP list since the offseason. His 21-day training window opened before week 13, but he was ruled out for both weeks 13 and 14 after two weeks of limited training.

Prior to Week 15, he was expected to have a limited practice on Monday, then a limited practice on Tuesday before playing a full practice on Wednesday and receiving a “questionable” designation on the team’s injury report.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan hinted Monday that Greenlaw has a chance to return against the Rams, so it’s no big surprise that the team wants to use its starting linebacker for the first time this season.

In order for Greenlaw to play, a maneuver must be made to clear a spot on the 53-man roster.

The 49ers lacked his athleticism at the second level, and when he returns, it’s unclear what role he will play. He could reclaim his starting spot as Will LB, where he is on the field next to Fred Warner on all three downs. He can also take over the Sam LB spot, where he is only on the field in base defense.

Rapoport reported that Greenlaw will be relieved, meaning he will likely take the lesser role as third LB rather than immediately taking the lion’s share of the game’s snaps.

Greenlaw, a free agent this offseason, has appeared in 62 games with 54 starts since joining the 49ers as a fifth-round pick in the 2019 draft. He is credited with 446 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 14 pass breakups and three interceptions.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers get good injury news at LB after devastating injury