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Former Arkansas Razorback and newly signed Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw is expected to miss several weeks after suffering a strained quadriceps during a recent workout, according to multiple reports. While the injury will sideline him through offseason activities, Greenlaw is expected to avoid surgery and should be ready for the start of the 2025 NFL season.
Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reported that Greenlaw, who joined the Broncos this offseason on a three-year deal worth up to $31.5 million, will undergo a rehabilitation process rather than surgery. Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post confirmed that the injury is expected to keep Greenlaw out for weeks, not months, preserving his chance to suit up when the regular season kicks off.
The injury, though a setback, is not as severe as originally feared. Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area initially reported concerns that Greenlaw might have torn his quadriceps, which would have forced him to miss a significant portion of the season. Fortunately for the Broncos, the prognosis turned out to be much more optimistic.
Greenlaw’s career has been marred by injuries in recent years. During his six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, he missed major time, including almost all of the 2021 and 2024 seasons. After suffering a torn Achilles during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, Greenlaw missed the first 13 games of the 2024 season before making a brief but impressive return against the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the injuries, Greenlaw's production when healthy has been outstanding. Over 64 career games, he has recorded 455 combined tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one interception. He posted career highs in tackles during the 2022 (127 tackles) and 2023 (120 tackles) seasons, helping lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Greenlaw’s absence exposes a thin linebacker corps for the Broncos. The team already faces uncertainty with Alex Singleton recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 3 of the 2024 season. Denver allowed Cody Barton to leave in free agency and did not draft an off-ball linebacker this year, making the group vulnerable.
Second-year player Drew Sanders, who transitioned from edge rusher back to inside linebacker, could play a crucial role in filling the gap while Greenlaw recovers. Meanwhile, veteran Justin Strnad also re-signed but is viewed as a depth option.
If Greenlaw's injury occurred away from team facilities, there’s also the possibility he could be placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, similar to the situation that led to the release of Ja’Wuan James in 2021. However, Greenlaw remains a critical part of Denver’s defensive plans, and the team is expected to be cautious with his recovery to ensure he’s fully ready for the 2025 campaign.
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Greenlaw's Road to Recovery
Nick Kosmider of The Athletic reported that Greenlaw, who joined the Broncos this offseason on a three-year deal worth up to $31.5 million, will undergo a rehabilitation process rather than surgery. Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post confirmed that the injury is expected to keep Greenlaw out for weeks, not months, preserving his chance to suit up when the regular season kicks off.
The injury, though a setback, is not as severe as originally feared. Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area initially reported concerns that Greenlaw might have torn his quadriceps, which would have forced him to miss a significant portion of the season. Fortunately for the Broncos, the prognosis turned out to be much more optimistic.
Injury History and Career Highlights
Greenlaw’s career has been marred by injuries in recent years. During his six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, he missed major time, including almost all of the 2021 and 2024 seasons. After suffering a torn Achilles during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, Greenlaw missed the first 13 games of the 2024 season before making a brief but impressive return against the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite the injuries, Greenlaw's production when healthy has been outstanding. Over 64 career games, he has recorded 455 combined tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one interception. He posted career highs in tackles during the 2022 (127 tackles) and 2023 (120 tackles) seasons, helping lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Broncos' Linebacker Depth in Question
Greenlaw’s absence exposes a thin linebacker corps for the Broncos. The team already faces uncertainty with Alex Singleton recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 3 of the 2024 season. Denver allowed Cody Barton to leave in free agency and did not draft an off-ball linebacker this year, making the group vulnerable.
Second-year player Drew Sanders, who transitioned from edge rusher back to inside linebacker, could play a crucial role in filling the gap while Greenlaw recovers. Meanwhile, veteran Justin Strnad also re-signed but is viewed as a depth option.
If Greenlaw's injury occurred away from team facilities, there’s also the possibility he could be placed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, similar to the situation that led to the release of Ja’Wuan James in 2021. However, Greenlaw remains a critical part of Denver’s defensive plans, and the team is expected to be cautious with his recovery to ensure he’s fully ready for the 2025 campaign.
Continue reading...
