Injury bug continues to bite former 49ers even after leaving San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers know what it's like to have a roster decimated by injuries.

For starters, 2020 was a complete disaster when nearly every starter on both sides of the ball missed extended periods of time. Then, last season, the Niners underwent another massive rash of injuries that certainly impacted the eventual 6-11 finish on the year.

While not fully to blame, one of the prime reasons why San Francisco's defense was so atrocious last season was due to the nearly year-long absence of star linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who didn't return until late in 2024 in Week 14 after suffering a torn Achilles in the Super Bowl the previous February.

Greenlaw's return to action was brief, essentially a handful of quarters over two games played before going back to the injured list and missing the reset of the season.

Unfortunately for the hard-hitting backer who ultimately departed the Bay Area in free agency to have a bigger, high-profile role with the Denver Broncos, the injury curse hasn't left him.

Dre Greenlaw suffers serious injury before paying a snap with Broncos

According to a report from NBC Sports Bay Area's Jennifer Lee Chan, citing a source, Greenlaw suffered a torn quad while working out.

The beginning of his Broncos debut is in serious doubt and is largely contingent upon whether or not the former Arkansas Razorback will need surgery. If so, it's highly unlikely he'll be available to suit up for the beginning of the season.

Chan also pointed out Denver declined to comment on the matter.

In the article, Greenlaw's recovery is suggested to take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity and whether or not surgery is needed.

Greenlaw inked a three-year, $31.5 million free-agent deal with the Broncos during the offseason, forcing the 49ers to panic in an attempt to get him to rebuff the offer at the 11th hour, which he refused to do.

Instead, the Niners hope their 2025 NFL Draft selection of linebacker Nick Martin will alleviate Greenlaw's loss.

And, potentially, the Broncos will have to figure out how to alleviate his temporary loss, too.