All eyes are on Super Bowl LVIII as the red-hot San Francisco 49ers face the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs. With one quarter in the books, the 49ers lead the Chiefs by a field goal in a low-scoring affair. However, containing Mahomes and the Kansas City offense got more challenging, with a star defender suffering a non-contact knee injury early in the second quarter. With a tick over nine minutes remaining and the ‘9ers defense ready to take the field, starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw hit the dirt when trying to leave the sideline.
Dre Greenlaw went down with an apparent injury while running back onto the field
Hope he’s ok 🙏
(via @NFLonCBS)
pic.twitter.com/5NjtlFCgqp— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 12, 2024
Initial reports suggest an Achilles tear, per Jim Nantz during the national telecast. Greenlaw immediately received medical attention before heading to the locker room via the cart.
San Francisco 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw: Injured early in the Second Quarter
Based on early reports, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw will not return to Super Bowl LVIII. Reporter Evan Washburn broke the news on the CBS telecast, saying, ” It’s lower left leg injury. He is unable to put weight on that leg. It’s also extremely emotional on that sideline.”
Greenlaw attempted to take the field after a long Mitch Wishnowsky punt but fell to the turf after pushing off his left leg. Greenlaw needed immediate medical attention after staff members helped him off the field. The dispute over artificial and natural grass has been at the center of debates for years, with players publically voicing their displeasure with the former. Super Bowl LVIII’s Super Bowl was naturally grown but later installed in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
Dre Greenlaw: Electric 2023 Campaign
Greenlaw, a fifth-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL draft, posted a career-best 127 tackles, three TFLs, two fumbled recoveries, and an interception last season. He again started for the 49ers this year, posting 120 tackles, five TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and four passes defended in 15 games.
The Arkansas product has shined brightest in the postseason, with 15 tackles, one TFL, and two interceptions over his team’s first two playoff games. Greenlaw had two interceptions against Green Bay’s Jordan Love in the second round while adding eight tackles. The 26-year-old did not register a tackle before his exit on Sunday.
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