The San Francisco 49ers’ already challenging season took another hit Thursday night with a disheartening 12–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. The defeat virtually ends the 49ers’ playoff hopes, but it wasn’t the only blow to the team.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed after the game that veteran linebacker De’Vondre Campbell refused to enter the game during the third quarter and walked off the field.
Locker Room Fallout
The decision sent shockwaves through the 49ers’ locker room, with several players voicing their disapproval.
Tight end George Kittle didn’t hold back.
“Look, if you’re on the roster, and you suit up, you’re expected to play,” Kittle said. “I think anyone in this building who got asked to go in, I would say 100% of everybody would die to get on the football field.
“I’m not very happy about it. … Is that the reason we lost? Absolutely not. But it’s hard to win football games when someone doesn’t want to play. Especially when you’re suited up. I’ve never been around anybody that’s ever done that, and I hope I’m never around anybody that does that again.”
Cornerback Charvarius Ward expressed similar frustration, calling Campbell’s actions “selfish” and speculating that the linebacker’s future with the team is in jeopardy.
“He’s a professional. He’s been playing for a long time. If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have dressed,” Ward said. “It definitely hurt the team. … He’s probably going to get cut soon, so it is what it is.”
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir also shared his thoughts on social media, echoing disappointment over the incident.
Campbell’s Contributions and Fallout
Campbell, who signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in March, has been a key contributor this season. Starting in 12 games, he entered Thursday as the team’s second-leading tackler with 79 tackles while playing 90% of defensive snaps.
He was replaced Thursday by Dre Greenlaw, who made his first appearance since tearing his Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII. Greenlaw’s return was anticipated, but Campbell’s refusal to play created unnecessary distractions in a must-win game.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers, now 6–8, face a tough matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16. Whether Campbell will suit up—or remain on the roster—is uncertain.
Shanahan has yet to comment on Campbell’s future with the team, but the incident highlights growing frustration within a locker room that had playoff ambitions just weeks ago. As the 49ers’ season winds down, internal discipline and unity may now be their most significant challenges.
