Kyle Shanahan discusses Eric Kendricks’ pivotal return to bolster injury-depleted 49ers lineup
Depth has been a major concern for the San Francisco 49ers this season. Each week seems to bring a new injury, leaving the team scrambling to fill gaps in their lineup. This situation was highlighted during their recent game against the Cleveland Browns, where linebacker Curtis Robinson, stepping in for the injured Tatum Bethune, temporarily left the field. Jalen Graham, recently elevated from the practice squad, took over in Robinson’s absence. In that moment, the urgency for the newly acquired linebacker Eric Kendricks to return became palpable.
Awaiting Kendricks’ Activation
When Kyle Shanahan was asked about Kendricks’ potential readiness to play following the matchup against the Tennessee Titans, he expressed optimism. “I definitely think he has a chance to, that’s why we liked him coming here,” Shanahan remarked. He noted that the previous week had been a short one, limiting Kendricks to just three practices, which were his first full-speed sessions since last year.
Shanahan emphasized the importance of the upcoming bye week for Kendricks. “It’ll be good for him to have this Bye Week to continue working out just for his conditioning and everything,” he added. With an extra practice on the horizon, the hope is that Kendricks can build his conditioning and football stamina, allowing him to showcase his abilities when the team reconvenes.
Managing Expectations
Should Kendricks be activated off the practice squad post-bye week, it’s likely he will not see a full workload immediately. The 49ers will likely manage his snap count carefully, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate contributions. The team’s cautious approach is understandable, given their struggles with injuries this season and the desire to avoid losing another key player.
Kendricks’ addition is significant for the 49ers, who envisioned him as a starting linebacker alongside Fred Warner last season. However, he opted to sign with the Dallas Cowboys instead. Reflecting on that decision, Shanahan stated, “We’re all good. No, we understand it now and you’re always frustrated at the time, but I understand why he did it.”
This time, however, there is no second-guessing. Kendricks is officially a member of the 49ers, and the team is eager to see how he can contribute, whether as a starter or simply to bolster their depth at linebacker. The situation remains fluid, with his readiness and performance in the coming weeks set to play a crucial role in the team’s playoff aspirations.
