Eric Kendricks getting up to speed with 49ers, could factor in final 4 games

"It was Aug. 17 and 18 of 2022 and the 49ers spent two days of practices with the Minnesota Vikings at their team headquarters in Eagan, Minnesota before their preseason game that weekend. I just remember him wrecking our practice, Williams said Monday. He was a thorn in our backside as o-linemen because he diagnosed so quickly. He took away our ability to help because he was getting to the spot he needed to be so quick."

"The four practices will determine whether Kendricks makes his 49ers debut. If Kendricks, 33, were to start in any of the last four games of the regular season, he would be the fourth middle (or Mike) linebacker this season after Fred Warner, Tatum Bethune and Curtis Robinson. Warner (broken ankle) is out for the season barring an unlikely in-season comeback which could only occur in a deep playoff run. Bethune started five games before going out with a hamstring strain."

"Kendricks was signed to the practice squad Nov. 26 and was inactive in the 49ers' 26-8 road win over Cleveland as he digested a new defensive system. Considering Kendricks' pedigree, it's not out of the question he could wind up starting and being placed on the 53-man roster in the next month based on his experience and body of work. Last season, Kendricks led the Dallas Cowboys with 138 tackles 50 more than anyone else on the team even though he missed two games."

Trent Williams recalled Eric Kendricks' August 2022 practice dominance, citing Kendricks' quick diagnosis and ability to disrupt offensive linemen. The 49ers returned from a bye with limited practices that will determine whether Kendricks debuts against the Tennessee Titans. Kendricks, 33, signed to the practice squad Nov. 26 and was inactive in the Cleveland game while learning the defensive system. Injuries at the Mike linebacker spot forced multiple starters this season. Kendricks has extensive starting experience, led the Cowboys with 138 tackles last season, and could be elevated to the 53-man roster soon.

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