The 49ers continue to address their roster ahead of Sunday’s Wild Card game against the Eagles.
San Francisco announced on Wednesday that it has signed veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.
Kendricks has appeared in three games with one start this season, accumulating six tackles (three solo).
Kendricks Fills a Key Need at Linebacker
Kendricks replaces linebacker Tatum Bethune, who landed on injured reserve Wednesday after tearing his groin in the Week 18 loss to the Seahawks. Bethune, who had 94 tackles and one sack in 14 games (eight starts), was filling in for All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.
The 33-year-old may not make the same impact as Bethune or Warner, but his veteran leadership could be key in stabilizing a defense amidst a swell of injuries. Kendricks has played 11 seasons in the NFL with four different teams and recorded 1,180 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions and eight forced fumbles.
His best season came in 2019 with the Vikings, when he made 110 tackles with two fumble recoveries and was named First Team All-Pro.
He made headlines for other reasons last offseason when he signed a one-year contract with the 49ers before backing out of the agreement to join the Cowboys.
Warner Unlikely to Return Before NFC Championship
The 49ers still haven’t ruled out Warner for the rest of the season, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said the four-time All-Pro is unlikely to return before the NFC Championship Game, should San Francisco make it.
Warner, 29, has been out since dislocating and fracturing his ankle in a Week 6 loss to the Buccaneers. With Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quad) also sidelined at linebacker, it’ll up to Kendricks to produce.
“He’s been here long enough,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said of his faith in Kendricks. “These games he’s gotten in, in the last couple of weeks, he’s done a good job of, and I’m glad that we got him for this situation.”
49ers Add Former All-Pro Linebacker Before Wild Card Game