Technically, the 49ers aren’t yet eliminated from playoff contention, but they have less than a 1% chance, according to Next Gen Stats’ model (two out of 10,000 simulations). So, the three-game suspension would end Campbell’s run with the club without San Francisco releasing the veteran linebacker.
Campbell signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Niners in the offseason as a stand-in as Dre Greenlaw rehabbed from a Super Bowl Achilles tear. With Greenlaw’s return to the lineup in Week 15, Campbell was demoted, sparking the incident.
By suspending Campbell for the final three regular-season games, San Francisco avoids having to waive him, which would allow the linebacker to land with another team. The Niners also avoid paying him for the final three games.