Video: 49ers' Dre Greenlaw Suffers Torn Achilles Injury Jogging Onto Super Bowl Field

The San Francisco 49ers lost linebacker Dre Greenlaw in an unusual manner during the second quarter of Sunday's Super Bowl.

Greenlaw injured his Achilles jogging onto the field ahead of a Kansas City Chiefs' possession and was ruled out for the game:

"Greenlaw is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles while trying to run onto the field in the Super Bowl," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. "Not a surprise, unfortunately. As crushing as it gets."

Greenlaw is a key part of San Francisco's star-studded defense and turned in one of the best seasons of his career in 2023 with 120 tackles, four passes defended and 1.5 sacks. It was his second straight season with at least 120 tackles, and he and Fred Warner make up one of the best one-two linebacker punches in the league.

The timing of the injury is even more difficult for the 49ers, who now figure to be in a fight to have Greenlaw ready in time for the start of the 2024 season.

The upcoming campaign is also the last one on his current contract, so it could impact his next deal either with the 49ers or someone else.

As for the 49ers' chances in Sunday's Super Bowl, this isn't the first time they've lost Greenlaw in the middle of a game. He was ejected during a December contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the NFC West team still managed to win.

If San Francisco wins without him this time, he can at least enjoy the Lombardi Trophy.