Dre Greenlaw has been out of the 49ers’ lineup throughout the 2024 season so far, but a return to action midway through the campaign has been the target for team and player. The sixth-year linebacker continues to make progress while rehabbing his Super Bowl Achilles tear. 
As a result, Greenlaw is now able to take part in individual drills. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the 27-year-old remains on the PUP list at this point, but he could begin participating in team practices as early as next week. Having his activation window opened would give San Francisco 21 days to move Greenlaw back onto the active roster, something which would likely not happen right away.
“I think once he gets in practice, you open that window up, he probably takes a little bit of that window,” general manager John Lynch said during an appearance on KNBR (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). “Coming off an Achilles, it’s not a simple thing. It’s not easy. You just really have to go through all the steps.”
Indeed, it would come as no surprise if Greenlaw were to have a lengthy ramp-up period once he returns to practice. He has been a key figure on defense for most of his career, topping 100 tackles in 2022 and ’23. The former fifth-rounder is a pending free agent, so his play upon reuniting with Fred Warner at the LB spot will be critical in determining his market value.
It will also, of course, be a key factor in the 49ers’ ability to qualify for the postseason. With a 5-5 record, the team sits last in the NFC West (albeit only one game behind the Cardinals for the top spot). San Francisco ranks in the top 10 in several defensive categories on the year, but an average of 22.2 points allowed per game sits only 16th in the NFL. Getting Greenlaw back in the fold for the stretch run could help the 49ers improve in terms of defensive scoring and boost their playoff chances.
Provided the Arkansas product takes considerable time between having his practice window opened and being activated, Week 14 against the Bears or the following contest – a Thursday night affair against the Rams – would represent potential return dates. If all goes well on the recovery front, Greenlaw could be designated for return in the coming days and in doing so have his countdown to see the field again begin.