Eric Kendricks Steps Up as 49ers' Starting MLB Amidst Injuries

With Fred Warner (ankle) out until the NFC Championship and Tatum Bethune (groin) sidelined for the season, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, 33, will step in as the San Francisco 49ers' starting middle linebacker. Kendricks, who joined the practice squad in late November after seemingly retiring, has appeared in three games with one start. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed "real confidence" in Kendricks, noting his experience and recent performance. Kendricks' past playoff performance against the 49ers in 2020, where he intercepted Jimmy Garoppolo, notably influenced Shanahan's offensive strategy. He is set to start in Philadelphia.