What Eric Kendricks Brings to the 49ers’ Linebacker Room - and Why It Matters Now
The San Francisco 49ers are in uncharted territory - without Fred Warner, the heart and soul of their defense, and leaning on a linebacker room that’s been stretched thin. Enter Eric Kendricks, a seasoned veteran with a high football IQ and years of top-tier play under his belt. The question now isn’t whether Kendricks still has something left in the tank - it’s how quickly he can get up to speed and help stabilize a position that’s been in flux all season.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t rushing to make any declarations just yet, but he likes what he’s seen so far. After a short week with limited full-speed work, Kendricks finally got in a few real practices - his first since last season, after an offseason spent rehabbing and staying in shape.
The timing couldn’t be better. With the 49ers on a bye, Kendricks has a chance to ramp up his conditioning and football stamina before the team gets back to work next week with four practices on deck.
That’s when we’ll really get a sense of where he stands.
The 49ers aren’t putting all their eggs in the Kendricks basket, though. They’re still hopeful Tatum Bethune can return after the bye, though Shanahan admitted it might be a stretch as Bethune works his way back from an ankle injury.
If he’s ready, Bethune could slot back into early-down duties - a role that plays to his strengths as a physical, downhill run defender. That would free up Kendricks to do what he does best: diagnose plays, cover ground in passing situations, and bring leadership to the middle of the field.
General manager John Lynch offered some insight into the long road that brought Kendricks to the Bay. The 49ers first pursued him back in 2024, but the timing wasn’t right.
Kendricks had a chance to reunite with former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, then the defensive coordinator in Dallas, and chose that opportunity instead. Lynch joked about the situation - likening it to asking someone out and getting turned down - but there were no hard feelings.
The two sides stayed in touch, and when injuries hit San Francisco hard, the door reopened.
This time, Kendricks didn’t hesitate. And the fact that he was willing to take a spot on the practice squad speaks volumes.
That’s not something a player with his résumé does unless he’s all-in. And make no mistake - the 49ers are thrilled to have him.
“He’s moving around really well,” Lynch said. “He’s a really good football player who we’ve gone against for a long time. Anyone who’s played against him will tell you - this guy knows how to play.”
Right now, the 49ers are down to their third-string linebacker in Curtis Robinson, and the results have been rough. Over the last three games, Robinson has missed at least five tackles in each outing.
Opposing quarterbacks have completed 14 of 17 passes when targeting him, racking up 109 yards - 66 of those after the catch - and a touchdown. He’s also allowed a double-digit reception in every start.
To be fair, Robinson was thrown into the fire, but the numbers reflect the growing pains.
That’s why Kendricks’ arrival is more than just a depth move - it’s a potential turning point. Even if he’s not playing every down right away, his presence gives the 49ers flexibility.
They can mix and match based on situation: Bethune on early downs, Kendricks in passing situations or sub-packages. It’s not a one-for-one replacement for Fred Warner - few players in the league can replicate what Warner brings - but it’s a smart way to patch the hole with what they have.
And make no mistake, the schedule isn’t easing up. After the Titans, the 49ers face a gauntlet of offensive-minded coaches - Shane Steichen, Ben Johnson, and a rematch with the Seahawks - before the playoff push.
This linebacker group will be tested early and often. That’s why the timing of Kendricks’ addition matters so much.
He’s not just a body to fill a spot - he’s a player who can help right now, especially in the areas where San Francisco has struggled since Warner went down.
The best-case scenario? A rotation that plays to each linebacker’s strengths, keeps the defense steady, and gives the 49ers a fighting chance to stay dominant down the stretch. Less might be more for both Bethune and Kendricks - and that might be exactly what this defense needs.