The San Francisco 49ers aren’t going to release linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.
Instead the team will suspend him for the final three games of the 2024 season according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Campbell, who started 12 games for the 49ers prior to Week 15, was moved to a reserve role following the return of LB Dre Greenlaw from an Achilles injury. Greenlaw was removed from the game because of fatigue and soreness, and the 49ers called upon Campbell to step into that spot.
He refused, leading general manager John Lynch to go to the sideline and eventually send Campbell to the locker room.
It sounded initially like San Francisco would release Campbell. Instead they’re going to suspend him, costing him his final three game checks. The team could also conceivably fine him to maximize the punishment for quitting mid-game. They also eliminate his ability to sign with another club by not granting him his outright release.
Demetrius Flanagan-Fowles was dealing with an injury and had to enter the game because Campbell refused to play. The 49ers wound up losing the contest 12-6 and ostensibly ended their postseason hopes.
Campbell played in 13 games with 12 starts for the 49ers this season. He finished with 79 tackles, three tackles for loss and two pass breakups.
