In the heart of Santa Clara, a significant event took place before the 49ers took the field on that Thursday night at Levi’s Stadium. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, a seasoned nine-year NFL veteran at 31 years old, seemed discontent with his role as the team prepared to face the Los Angeles Rams. His discontent was palpable and spread among those around him.

Campbell's Role and Refusal

Campbell had started 12 out of the 49ers’ first 13 games this season but was relegated to a backup role when Dre Greenlaw returned. This change in his status was evident during the game. Campbell, who had one of the coveted 48 game-day roster spots, initially suited up. However, when the coaching staff called upon him, he declined to enter the game. Nick Bosa, who noticed the warning signs in the locker room beforehand, shared his perspective. “In the locker room before the game, I heard some complaining,” Bosa said. “And I was going to say something and didn’t because I didn’t want to create more of a distraction. So, yeah, I kind of saw the foreshadowing and definitely didn’t think it was going to result in that, didn’t know it happened during the game.”

The Aftermath of Campbell's Decision

Greenlaw exited the game early in the second half due to discomfort in his knee, and backup Dee Winters was ruled out with a neck injury. This left a void in the team's lineup. Campbell, had he played, would have likely played a significant portion of the second half. His refusal to play marked the end of his up-and-down season with the 49ers. Campbell had signed a one-year contract with the 49ers after being released by the Green Bay Packers in March. After parting ways with the Packers, he took to social media to blast the organization for misusing him and expressed his loss of respect for some of the Green Bay coaches. However, he has yet to publicly state his rationale for declining to play against the Rams.

The Team's Response

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan stated, “He said he didn’t want to play today.” On Monday, 49ers general manager John Lynch announced that the organization had suspended Campbell for the final three games of the 2024 NFL season for conduct detrimental to the team. Nick Bosa believes Campbell’s actions are isolated and not a sign of a broader problem within the roster. “This locker room is great. It’s always been great,” Bosa said. “But sometimes when you bring in somebody who’s older and from a different place, you don’t know. But, no, there are no issues in this locker room. Very rarely.”