San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan - AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 4 of the NFL Season, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw will be a top player to watch.
Greenlaw is battling a quad injury, but after being labeled day-to-day, he is expected to play in Sunday’s game against his former team.
Dre Greenlaw Set to Face Former Team
Greenlaw was a part of the 49ers’ talented 2019 NFL Draft class. He spent six seasons with San Francisco before departing the team in 2025.
Greenlaw played in both Super Bowl appearances, suffering an achilles tear in Super Bowl LVIII. Greenlaw had a strong performance, shutting down Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce before exiting the game.
Following his time in San Francisco, Greenlaw signed a three year, $31.5 milliom deal with the Denver Broncos. The linebacker played just eight regular-season games, suffering multiple injuries. Despite signing a three-year deal, the Broncos cut the linebacker following one season with the team as cap casualty.
Through eight games with the Broncos, Greenlaw recorded 43 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception.
After the Broncos let him go, he signed a one year deal with the 49ers, returning to the team that drafted him. Greenlaw now prepares for a matchup that could be considered personal.
Positive News on Dre Greenlaw’s Injury
In the 49ers Week 3 win against the Arizona Cardinals, Greenlaw suffered a bruised quad. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan did not seem worried about Greenlaw’s injury, but could still be something to monitor.
By Thursday’s practice, Greenlaw was working on a side field, which is positive news ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Dre Greenlaw’s Performance this Season
Through three games, Greenlaw’s impact on the defense is already being felt. He and 49ers linebacker Fred Warner are a dynamic duo and are playing together like no time has passed. Despite injuries to the defense, the two are playing a vital role in the unit making big stands.
Through three games, Greenlaw has 22 total tackles, nine solo. He is already on pace to improve upon his 2025 season with the Broncos, and expect him to make big stops against his former team.
One More Player to Watch
On the other side, the 49ers will also be facing a former player. Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga is returning to the Bay to face the team that drafted him.
In the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected the safety out of USC. He spent four seasons with the team, before departing in free agency. Hufanga and Greenlaw joined the Broncos in the same offseason, with the safety signing a three year deal with Denver.
Hufanga has been having a strong two seasons in Denver. The safety is coming off a stellar performance that helped the Broncos defeat the Los Angeles Rams.
Through three games, Hufanga already has 17 total tackles, one sack, and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
The 49ers offense has been on fire this season, a big reason the team remains undefeated. The offense will have to continue to play well before facing this talented Broncos defense, featuring Hufanga.
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Oct. 4.
