Super Bowl 58 ended up being a very disappointing one for the San Francisco 49ers and their fans for several reasons. They ended up losing the game 25-22 in overtime, suffering their second loss in four years in the big game to the Kansas City Chiefs.
On top of Kyle Shanahan being involved in his third Super Bowl in which his team blew a double-digit point lead, the 49ers’ defense could also be impacted for the upcoming 2024 season. Star linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who battled through several ailments during the season, saw his body breakdown.
With 9:26 remaining in the second quarter, the 49ers had just punted, leading to their defense coming back on the field. As he was running out there, he suffered a lower leg injury that immediately created a somber feeling on the sideline.
After getting just a few feet from his teammates and coaches, he had to hobble back and was not on the field for that series. He didn’t return to the game at all after that, as Shanahan confirmed that Greenlaw tore his Achilles.
There were several different reactions to seeing their teammate go down in agonizing pain. Fellow linebacker Fred Warner could be seen expressing anger at the situation. Star edge rusher Nick Bosa was looking on with a stunned expression on his face
“It was hard. Sometimes when things like that happen, it could sway the momentum just because it’s such an emotional feeling,” Bosa said. “Dre is a one-of-one human being. He was pushing through so much this year, and I think 99% of players wouldn’t have been able to do what he did. He put his body on the line for this, and it sucks we couldn’t get him [a win].”
This isn’t the first Achilles issue Greenlaw has had this season. He missed Week 18 of the regular season with Achilles tendonitis and when the 49ers began their playoff march in the Divisional Round, it was still an issue.
How Greenlaw was able to play 15 games this season is quite an impressive feat. He dealt with groin, ankle, hamstring, shoulder and hip ailments, but he was able to battle through them and be there for his teammates on the field.
His availability for Week 1 of the 49ers’ 2024 campaign is certainly in jeopardy. He will now spend the 2024 offseason rehabbing, trying to put himself in a position to be ready to get back on the field as soon as possible.
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