Dre Greenlaw to Miss Time With an Injury

One of the most talented linebackers in the NFL, former 49ers standout Dre Greenlaw—now a key defensive player for the Denver Broncos—recently suffered a significant leg injury diagnosed as a torn quadriceps muscle. This type of injury is particularly serious and can sideline an athlete for an extended period. Recovery timelines for a torn quadriceps vary widely, typically ranging from several weeks for minor tears to several months if surgical intervention is necessary, making the road back to peak performance a challenging one.

Greenlaw’s resilience was on full display during Week 14 of the 2024 season when he made an inspiring return to the field. This comeback was remarkable, considering he had earlier endured a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in the first half of the 49ers’ Super Bowl LVIII appearance. Despite this major setback, Greenlaw wasted no time showing he still had his competitive edge. In his return game, he tallied an impressive eight total tackles, including three solo stops, over 30 defensive snaps—a testament to his conditioning and determination.

Unfortunately, his momentum was briefly halted the following week. Greenlaw saw limited action, participating in just four defensive snaps before being forced to leave the game due to soreness in his knee and calf—symptoms connected to his prior Achilles injury.

Prior to joining the Broncos, Greenlaw was a highly sought-after free agent. His former team, the San Francisco 49ers, made a concerted effort to bring him back, with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan traveling to Texas to personally recruit him. Their efforts underscore the high regard in which Greenlaw is held within the league. Nonetheless, Greenlaw ultimately signed a lucrative three-year contract with Denver—a deal valued at up to $31.5 million.

Unfortunately, it looks like Broncos fans will have to wait to see their brand-new linebacker take snaps for them until he’s fully recovered. One thing’s for sure: Greenlaw is a fighter, and he’ll be back better than ever in no time.