San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell is no longer with the team after refusing to play during Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the separation, stating that Campbell’s actions led to the decision. Campbell, who had started 12 of the team’s first 13 games this season, found himself on the bench following the return of previous starter Dre Greenlaw.
Shanahan explained that Campbell, 31, declined to enter the game when asked to step in during the third quarter, following Greenlaw’s exit due to foot soreness. According to the coach, Campbell told him, “he didn’t want to play today.” The situation led to the team’s decision to part ways with the veteran linebacker, though it remains unclear whether Campbell will be placed on waivers or the team will explore other options to move on.
49ers tight end George Kittle expressed his frustration with the situation, saying, “I’ve never been around someone who quits on their team, and I hope I’m never around a guy like that again.”
Greenlaw replaced Campbell in the starting lineup and went on to play in his first game since recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in the Super Bowl. Interestingly, Campbell was not present in the locker room after the game, although all his belongings remained in his assigned locker at Levi’s Stadium. The situation has left the 49ers with a sour note as they move forward.
