Eric Kendricks: Everything you need to know

The 49ers signed Kendricks from the practice squad to the active roster Wednesday. Kendricks made a strong impression in his practice squad elevations, accumulating six tackles (three solo) over 46 defensive snaps and 39 special-teams snaps. The middle linebacker is set to start in Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Eagles. If Kendricks can sustain the defense for a few weeks, the hope is Fred Warner (ankle) could return to finish a deep playoff run.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Kendricks has moved into the starting role at linebacker with Tatum Bethune out for the remainder of the season, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. Kendricks was elevated to the active roster in late December and made his first appearance with the 49ers in Week 16, having six tackles (three solo) in three games. Bethune's addition to the injured players on San Francisco's defense leaves the team without Mykel Williams (knee - IR), Nick Bosa (knee - IR), Fred Warner (ankle - IR), and Dee Winters (ankle), who is questionable for the wild-card round matchup against the Eagles. The team hopes Kendricks can act as a bridge for a potential deep playoff run until Fred Warner is healthy, per David Lombardi of SFStandard.com.

Kendricks was elevated from the 49ers' practice squad to the active roster Monday. The 33-year-old joined the 49ers' practice squad in late November and is now in line to make his first appearance of the 2025 season during Monday night's matchup against the Colts. Kendricks last played for the Cowboys in 2024, recording 138 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, three passes defensed, with two interceptions, and three forced fumbles over 15 contests. Now with San Francisco's active roster, Kendricks is expected to operate as one of the team's top inside linebackers.