The 49ers are turning to a familiar name as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season, signing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks to their practice squad on November 26. And while it’s not the first time Kendricks has been connected to San Francisco, this time, it looks like the fit might finally stick.
Kendricks, a 10-year NFL veteran and former All-Pro, originally agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers back in 2024. But just as things seemed set, he pivoted and signed with the Dallas Cowboys instead. Fast forward to now, and he's back in the Bay - this time with a chance to contribute to a defense that’s been hit hard by injuries.
And let’s not forget - Kendricks already had a run-in with the Niners earlier this season. He logged nine tackles against San Francisco in Week 6 while playing for Dallas, a game the 49ers won 30-24. That performance was part of a productive season for Kendricks, who finished with 138 total tackles.
Now, he's in Santa Clara, suiting up for practice and reflecting on the winding road that brought him back.
“I just wanted to do what felt right, and a lot of things didn’t feel right so I just waited,” Kendricks said after practice. “I’ve always respected the organization, the coaching staff and the way they play defense. When I got an opportunity to be part of the team, I took it.”
The move comes at a critical time for San Francisco. The linebacker room has taken some serious hits, most notably the season-ending ankle injury to star linebacker Fred Warner.
His backup, Tatum Bethune, is also sidelined with a high ankle sprain. General manager John Lynch has described Warner’s return this season as "hopeful at best" - not exactly the kind of certainty you want heading into a playoff push.
That’s where Kendricks could come in. He’s not just a stopgap - he’s a seasoned pro with a high football IQ and a track record of production. And he’s already impressed with the way the 49ers have handled adversity.
“I’ve watched everybody kind of step up and the way they’ve responded,” Kendricks said. “It was inspiring to watch. Through all the adversity they’ve faced, they seem to just like to fight.”
That grit has defined this 49ers team all year. Despite the injuries, they’re still very much in the NFC playoff picture with three home games left in the regular season. And with Week 15 on deck, there’s a real chance fans could see Kendricks in uniform for the first time when San Francisco hosts the Tennessee Titans at Levi’s Stadium.
Whether or not Kendricks sees the field on Sunday, his presence adds depth, experience, and a little bit of full-circle symmetry to a 49ers team that’s still chasing big goals in December.