The San Francisco 49ers have been walking a tightrope at the linebacker position all season, with injuries forcing them to dig deep into the roster. But in true 49ers fashion, they've found a way to keep moving forward - and last weekend, that meant turning to a name few fans had circled before: Garret Wallow.
Wallow, who was elevated from the practice squad, found himself starting next to veteran Eric Kendricks in the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles. Given the rash of injuries San Francisco has endured, the coaching staff didn’t have many other options. But Wallow didn’t just fill a spot - he made the most of his moment.
The 24-year-old linebacker racked up 11 tackles on the night and played with the kind of energy and awareness that belied his limited time with the team. Despite being down several key starters, the 49ers defense held the Eagles to just 19 points - a performance that had a lot to do with guys like Wallow stepping up.
Earlier in the season, Wallow spent time with the Denver Broncos, where he crossed paths with former 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw. While Wallow said he hadn’t heard from Greenlaw or safety Talanoa Hufanga after joining San Francisco, he did mention that he and Greenlaw had talked plenty about the 49ers when they were teammates in Denver. Wallow didn’t credit that connection as the reason he landed in the Bay Area - he’s a practice squad player, and opportunities are often about timing - but it’s not hard to imagine that Greenlaw’s insight helped paint a picture of what to expect in San Francisco.
Regardless of how he got there, the 49ers are glad to have him. Injuries have forced the team into a “next man up” mentality all year, and it’s been players like Wallow who’ve helped keep the defense afloat.
Kendricks, the seasoned vet, and Wallow, the relative unknown, held their own against a tough Eagles offense. And while there’s optimism that rookie Dee Winters could return for Saturday’s Divisional Round game against the Seattle Seahawks, Wallow is still expected to be part of the game plan - whether that’s on defense or contributing on special teams.
The biggest headline at linebacker, though, is the potential return of Fred Warner. The All-Pro was back on the practice field this week, and while nothing is set in stone, there’s a real chance he could suit up on Saturday.
That would be a massive boost for a defense that’s already been punching above its weight given the circumstances. Warner’s return would not only shore up the middle of the field but also give the unit its emotional and tactical leader back at just the right time.
Still, even if Warner is active, Wallow’s role remains important. Whether he’s logging snaps on defense or flying down the field on kickoff coverage, he’s earned the trust of the coaching staff in a short amount of time. And in a playoff run where depth often makes the difference, Wallow’s emergence could be one of those under-the-radar stories that ends up playing a big part in how far this team goes.
It’s a testament to the culture in San Francisco - a locker room where preparation meets opportunity, and where even the most unlikely names can become key contributors when it matters most.