A Longtime Vikings Presence Now Anchors a Playoff Unit
Injuries have reshaped the San Francisco 49ers’ defense ahead of the postseason, and a familiar name to Vikings fans is now stepping into a major role. Former Minnesota linebacker Eric Kendricks has been elevated from the practice squad and is in line for a starting job after multiple injuries thinned San Francisco’s linebacker group.
Eric Kendricks Suddenly in the Spotlight
Kendricks had a long offseason. His contract with the Dallas Cowboys — where he reunited with DC Mike Zimmer — expired after the 2024 season. The 2015 second-rounder didn’t sign with a team until November, when he joined the 49ers’ practice squad after a workout.
Since then, he has appeared in three games, with his snap count rising. In addition to losing All-Pro Fred Warner with a broken ankle, fellow linebacker sophomore Tatum Bethune suffered a season-ending injury last week.
The shorthanded franchises added Kendricks to the 53-man roster ahead of the upcoming postseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the team announced this week.
NinersWire‘s Mike Masala wrote about the linebacker position: “Bethune, 24, was San Francisco’s seventh-round pick in 2024 and stepped into a prominent role this year when Fred Warner suffered his season-ending ankle injury. He appeared in 14 games and recorded 94 tackles (four for a loss), four passes defensed and a sack before a groin injury in Week 18 ended his season.”
The linebacker with a Vikings’ history was on San Francisco’s wishlist in 2024, but he snubbed them for Zimmer’s Cowboys. A year later, he was acquired to help Robert Saleh’s defensive unit.
“Kendricks, 33, signed with the 49ers in November and has been elevated from the practice squad the last three weeks, recording six tackles. With Bethune’s injury, he’s in line to start on Sunday against the Eagles,” Masala added.
Kendricks has amassed extensive experience in the Twin Cities, joining as part of Rick Spielman’s outstanding 2015 draft class, which also featured star players Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs.
Just last year, Kendricks racked up 138 tackles and three sacks for the Cowboys — in only 15 games. The regime change in Dallas ended his tenure there. In fact, the 2024 season capped a nine-year streak of at least 100 tackles per season. Only in his rookie year did his tackle count fall below 100, as he recorded only 92.
He became the heart of Minnesota’s defense early in his career, lining up next to his college buddy and roommate, Anthony Barr. For the entirety of the Zimmer reign (2014 aside, when he was still in college), he was the top middle linebacker.
On the smaller side for a linebacker in the 2010s, Kendricks won his battles with instincts and football IQ, as well as playing sound football from a technique standpoint. He then developed into one of the premier coverage linebackers.
In 2019, Kendricks was nominated to his only Pro Bowl, and he was a first-team All-Pro that year. With 919 tackles, 15 sacks, and nine interceptions in 117 games with the Vikings, it’s easy to make the argument that he should’ve gotten more accolades over the years.
Perhaps the most memorable play he made took place in 2022 when he recovered the fumble in the final minute against the Buffalo Bills. The Vikings needed a miracle to stay in the game against the Bills, as Josh Allen just had to QB sneak his way out of the endzone. The center-QB exchange failed, the ball was free, and Kendricks secured it for a touchdown.
After one year under Ed Donatell in 2022, he was not retained for the 2023 season, with Brian Flores calling the shots and heading to the Los Angeles Chargers. His stint in 2024 with the Cowboys has been followed by employment in the NFC West.
At the age of 33, Kendricks will be a prominent player for the 49ers on Sunday. He’ll turn 34 next month.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.