49ers stud linebacker could return by Week 5 amid 'extremely aggressive' recovery

The San Francisco 49ers could be getting one of their defensive stalwarts back sooner than expected.

San Francisco's 25-22 loss in Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs turned even more sour the next day when the 49ers learned that their star linebacker had suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the game.

Dre Greenlaw left the Super Bowl in the second quarter due to a freak leg injury he suffered near the sideline, and the 49ers defense immediately grew weaker. Greenlaw's departure became one of the defining factors of San Francisco's inability to get the job done.

It was soon discovered that Greenlaw had torn his Achilles, and the 27-year-old had successful surgery a few days following the season.

Since February, many 49ers fans have wondered what the timetable for Greenlaw's return this season would be.

Recent reports indicate that Greenlaw has been ahead of schedule with his rehabilitation and could be making a return to the gridiron much quicker than most expect.

Sports Illustrated's Grant Cohn reported on Friday that Greenlaw could even be back as soon as Week 5 of the NFL regular season (October 6).

"The most likely outcome for Greenlaw is that the 49ers will place him on the ... PUP list -- to start the season," Cohn said. "The PUP list is for players who suffered injuries while playing football, and they have to miss a minimum of four games. So theoretically, Greenlaw could return as early as Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. But even that would be extremely aggressive."

San Francisco is likely to keep Greenlaw sidelined beyond Week 5 given his importance to the 49ers defense. The prevailing notion is that as long as Greenlaw is healthy and ready to go for another playoff run, San Francisco will have managed his return successfully.

In the meantime, San Francisco continues to monitor the free agent market for possible reinforcements to their defense.

Greenlaw was crucial during the 2023 season for the 49ers' run and pass coverage, recording 120 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and four pass deflections in 15 starts.

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