49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is facing long odds of returning from injury in time for Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl and has been slowly working his way back to the field. As the regular season approaches, it seems likely that San Francisco will need to find a replacement to start the year.

According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the 49ers have been planning to start the year without Greenlaw since the offseason. They initially pursued Eric Kendricks to fill in, but Kendricks chose to sign with the Cowboys instead of San Francisco.

In Kendricks’ absence, the Niners signed former Packers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. Campbell is accustomed to playing in 3-4 defensive fronts, so adjusting to San Francisco’s 4-3 scheme will be a change. It is likely that Campbell will start as the weakside linebacker until Greenlaw returns, at which point he will transition to the strongside position.

To fill Campbell’s spot until the transition, the 49ers have several options on the roster, including veteran players like Zeke Turner, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and Curtis Robinson, who have primarily been special team contributors. Additionally, there are three young late-round draft picks in consideration. Jalen Graham, last year’s seventh-round pick, has some experience, while this year’s seventh-round rookie Tatum Bethune may need more time to develop.

One player to watch is last year’s sixth-round pick Dee Winters, who has caught the attention of starting middle linebacker Fred Warner. Warner praised Winters for his performance in offseason activities, indicating he could be a key player. If Winters continues to impress in training camp, he may secure a starting role at the beginning of the season to cover for Greenlaw’s absence.

If Winters doesn’t rise to the occasion, the 49ers may need to explore veteran options in free agency or rely on another player within their organization.