With Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune out, Kyle Shanahan has full faith in Eric Kendricks

Linebacker Eric Kendricks has been named the starting middle linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, filling in for the injured Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune. Bethune is out for the rest of the season with a groin injury, while Warner is recovering from a serious ankle injury and is not expected back until the NFC Championship game. Kendricks, 33, had joined the 49ers' practice squad in late November after considering retirement and declining an opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad.

Kendricks, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys, played a crucial role in altering the 49ers' offensive strategy during the 2019 postseason. His defensive performance in a playoff game against the 49ers influenced head coach Kyle Shanahan to adjust the team's play-calling, leading to a run-heavy strategy that helped propel the team to the Super Bowl.

Kendricks will start in the upcoming playoff game in Philadelphia