De’Vondre Campbell/ 49ers linebacker refusal/ Shanahan Campbell benching/ 49ers playoff hopes/ Greenlaw return injury/ SANTA CLARA/ Calif./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell refused to enter Thursday’s game against the Rams after losing his starting spot to Dre Greenlaw, who returned from injury. Campbell’s decision left teammates frustrated and could jeopardize his future with the team as they approach playoff elimination following a 12-6 loss.
Key Points About De’Vondre Campbell’s Refusal
- Bench Drama: Campbell lost his starting role to Dre Greenlaw, who returned after an Achilles injury.
- Mid-Game Incident: Campbell refused to enter the game in the third quarter after Greenlaw left due to soreness.
- Team Reaction: Coach Kyle Shanahan and players called Campbell’s decision selfish and unprofessional.
- Contract Status: Campbell signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the 49ers after being released by Green Bay.
- 49ers’ Playoff Hopes: The loss to the Rams leaves San Francisco on the brink of playoff elimination.
49ers’ De’Vondre Campbell Refuses to Enter Game After Losing Starting Role
Deep Look
The Incident
Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell shocked the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday by refusing to enter the game after losing his starting spot to Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw, returning from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in last year’s Super Bowl, started the game but exited in the third quarter due to soreness.
“He said he didn’t want to play today,” Shanahan said. “I’ve never seen that before in my coaching career. We’ll figure out something moving forward.”
Campbell, who had been a consistent starter for most of the season, left the sideline and walked to the locker room.
Teammates’ Reaction
Campbell’s refusal left teammates frustrated and vocal about their disappointment.
“He’s a professional,” cornerback Charvarius Ward said. “If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have dressed out. That was some selfish (stuff) to me. He’s probably going to get cut soon.”
Tight end George Kittle echoed the sentiment:
“It’s one person making a selfish decision. I’ve never been around anyone who’s done that, and I hope I never am again.”
Campbell’s Struggles and Contract
The 31-year-old linebacker signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the 49ers in the offseason after being released by the Green Bay Packers. While Campbell was an All-Pro in 2021, his performance declined over the past two seasons.
This year with San Francisco, Campbell started 12 of the first 13 games and played 90% of defensive snaps. However, his inconsistent tackling and coverage issues contributed to his demotion.
The 49ers’ Season Outlook
The 49ers’ 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams drops them to 6-8, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. The mid-game drama further compounds the challenges facing a team already battling injuries and poor performance.
Shanahan hinted that the team would address Campbell’s actions internally, leaving his future with the organization uncertain.
