As the 49ers shut down Dre Greenlaw for the season, all eyes turn to second-year linebacker Dee Winters to fill the void.

Dre Greenlaw’s Season Comes to an End

The San Francisco 49ers’ tumultuous 2024 season took another hit when head coach Kyle Shanahan announced linebacker Dre Greenlaw would be shut down for the final two games of the season. This decision, confirmed after Greenlaw’s latest injury setback, leaves the team without one of its defensive cornerstones as they head into the season’s conclusion.

Greenlaw, who made a valiant return in Week 15 after recovering from a torn Achilles, struggled to stay on the field. He played only half a game against the Rams before knee soreness sidelined him. The following week against Miami, Greenlaw’s return was cut short after just four snaps due to a right calf injury.

Sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson described Greenlaw as “yelling, screaming, and limping in pain” during the CBS broadcast, capturing the frustration of a season marred by injuries. After a consultation with Shanahan, Greenlaw agreed that shutting things down was the best course of action.

The Impact of Greenlaw’s Absence

Greenlaw’s injury adds to an already depleted 49ers linebacker corps. Fred Warner, the team’s anchor, has been playing through a fractured ankle. Backup Curtis Robinson is out with a torn ACL, and De’Vondre Campbell’s suspension leaves the unit even thinner.

The injuries force the 49ers to turn to second-year linebacker Dee Winters as the primary replacement. Paired with Warner, Winters will be under the microscope, tasked with maintaining the defense’s integrity as the season winds down.

Pro Football Focus reports that Warner and Winters are the only linebacker duo with an average coverage grade above 90 over 100 snaps. This statistic offers hope, but Winters’ ability to rise to the occasion will be critical.

A Career-Defining Opportunity for Dee Winters

Dee Winters, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, now has an opportunity to solidify his role in the 49ers’ future plans. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Winters has shown flashes of promise in limited action.

The upcoming games will be a litmus test for Winters’ readiness to handle a larger role. Against a formidable Detroit Lions offense, he will need to showcase his versatility and consistency to help fill the void left by Greenlaw.

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles and Jalen Graham are the other linebackers expected to step up. However, the spotlight remains firmly on Winters, who could turn these final games into a launching pad for his career.

What’s Next for Dre Greenlaw and the 49ers?

Greenlaw’s future with the 49ers is now uncertain. Set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, his injury history raises questions about his ability to secure a lucrative deal. While Greenlaw has expressed a desire for a big payday, his health will likely temper the market.

If the 49ers choose not to re-sign Greenlaw, they could lean on Warner and Winters as their starting linebackers in 2025. Alternatively, they might explore free agency or the draft to bolster their linebacker depth.

The next two games will also play a role in shaping those decisions. If Winters shines, he could make retaining Greenlaw less of a priority. On the other hand, if his performance exposes gaps in the defense, the 49ers might reconsider their offseason plans.

A Crucial Test Awaits

As the 49ers prepare for their final two games, all eyes are on Dee Winters. His performance will not only determine the defense’s stability but could also influence the team’s long-term strategy.

For now, the 49ers must rally around their remaining healthy players and focus on ending the season on a strong note. Whether Dee Winters can seize this moment remains to be seen, but the opportunity is his to take.