Campbell lost his starting gig with the return of Dre Greenlaw to the lineup. When Greenlaw came out in the third quarter, Campbell, apparently disgruntled, refused to enter the game and left for the locker room. Given that the 31-year-old linebacker was specifically signed as a bridge until Greenlaw returned, it was surprising that Campbell would be upset about having his reps diminished.
Campbell was resoundingly thrashed by his teammates following the loss.
“Look, if you’re on the roster and you suit up, you’re expected to play,” said 49ers tight end George Kittle, who was unaware of the situation during the game. “I think anyone in this building that got asked to go in, I would say 100% of everybody would die to get on that football field. And so, people go through, are going through random things off the field, I can’t speak on that. Whatever his decision was, it wasn’t for this organization, it wasn’t for this team and that’s on him. So, I’m not very happy about it.”
In one fashion or another, the 49ers are done with Campbell. The question is whether they outright release him — which could be what the linebacker desires — or if the club has the grounds to suspend him for his actions.
In 13 games with the Niners, Campbell made 12 starts, compiling 79 tackles, three TFLs and two passes defensed.