The San Francisco 49ers have been hit hard by injuries across the board, setbacks that have effectively beset every position.
Yet linebacker has suffered a notably harsher toll than many other spots, highlighted by the season-ending loss of All-Pro Fred Warner to an ankle injury. On top of that, reserve backers like Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune have also been in and out of the lineup.
So, it made sense for the Niners to ink linebacker Eric Kendricks to the practice squad ahead of their Week 13 road contest against the three-win Cleveland Browns, hoping the longtime Los Angeles Charger can provide both veteran savvy and depth to a group that has been notably depleted.
Judging by San Francisco's latest injury report, Kendricks might be called upon right away to help fill a void.
49ers may need Eric Kendricks right away in Week 13 vs. Browns
Fans may recall how Kendricks originally seemed destined to join San Francisco entering 2024, only to rebuff the 49ers' offer in favor of joining the Dallas Cowboys at the time. In turn, that led the Niners to ink linebacker De'Vondre Campbell; a move that now lives in franchise infamy.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday's tilt in Cleveland, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he "understands" why Kendricks chose Dallas over San Francisco, but the 49ers are "pumped" to get him aboard now.
Additionally, Shanahan listed second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune (ankle) as out for the game against the Browns, meaning Kendricks could find himself getting elevated off the practice squad right away.
Kicker Eddy Pineiro (hamstring) and defensive end Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) were also listed as out.
Last week, the Niners turned to depth linebacker Curtis Robinson for Monday Night Football's showdown against the Carolina Panthers, yet Kendricks certainly boasts far more in-game experience than the perennial practice squad body in Robinson.
Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh ultimately will make the call whether or not Kendricks will assume key duties instead of Robinson, but that seems to be the preferred option heading into the Cleveland game.