49ers Stunned as De’Vondre Campbell Walks Off Mid-Game—What Happened Behind the Scenes?

De’Vondre Campbell’s dramatic walkout in the middle of the game was a defining moment in the San Francisco 49ers’ disappointing 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, but the team’s offensive struggles were the true story of the game—and potentially their season.

The 49ers (6-8) now find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination, as their offense, once one of the most potent in the NFL, failed to show up against the Rams. The team was held to just 191 yards, their lowest total in a regular-season game in eight years under head coach Kyle Shanahan. The six-point performance marked the 49ers’ lowest point total since Shanahan’s debut season in 2017, leaving fans to wonder how their Super Bowl-contending team had faltered so dramatically.

Offensive Woes Continue for San Francisco

San Francisco’s offensive struggles were highlighted by several key mistakes. Brock Purdy, who had been a steady force at quarterback, had a difficult time connecting with his receivers. He completed only 6 of 20 passes for 63 yards, an interception, and a miserable 19.4 passer rating when targeting wide receivers. Deebo Samuel, frustrated with his lack of touches earlier in the week, dropped a potential touchdown pass that would have made a significant impact. Purdy later missed Ricky Pearsall on an underthrown deep ball in the fourth quarter before throwing an interception in the end zone, effectively ending any hope of a late comeback.

“I just feel like I had a lot of plays left out there that I could have made for our team,” Purdy said after the game. “I thought the defense and special teams played so well, and that’s what’s hurting me—I feel like I failed the team. I could have been better for our offense and we could have put up more points.”

The lack of scoring has been an ongoing issue for the 49ers this season. Missing key playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk for extended periods has taken its toll. San Francisco is averaging 8.5 fewer points per game compared to last season, and their inability to get anything going offensively against the Rams was a glaring reminder of just how far the team has fallen.

Defensive Bright Spots Amidst Struggles

While the offense struggled, the 49ers’ defense continued to fight. Despite being on the field for much of the game, the defense did its part by keeping the Rams out of the end zone on all three red-zone trips. This marked a significant improvement after allowing touchdowns on 13 consecutive red-zone drives in the previous four games. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s return was another positive for the defense. Playing for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in last season’s Super Bowl, Greenlaw registered eight tackles in the first half, injecting the defense with much-needed intensity and physicality.

The Campbell Controversy: A Distraction at the Wrong Time

While the defense fought valiantly, the team’s internal drama took center stage. De’Vondre Campbell, who lost his starting role when Greenlaw returned to the lineup, walked off the field in the middle of the game, draping a towel over his head. Campbell’s actions overshadowed the team’s struggles on offense, leading coach Kyle Shanahan to question his commitment to the team.

“His actions from the game are not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still expect to be a part of our team,” Shanahan said. “We’re working through exactly the semantics of it right now, but we’ll handle the situation appropriately.”

The 49ers are now deciding whether to waive or suspend Campbell for his behavior, leaving his future with the team uncertain.

Injury Report: Key Players on the Mend

In addition to their offensive struggles, the 49ers are dealing with several injuries. Dre Greenlaw, who had a strong return to action, left the game with soreness in his knee and Achilles tendon but is considered day-to-day. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown (groin) and linebacker Dee Winters (neck) are also day-to-day. Left tackle Trent Williams, who has missed the last four games due to an ankle injury, is still recovering, with Shanahan noting that his recovery is “a lot slower than anticipated.”

Key Stat: Niners Fail to Enter the Red Zone

Perhaps the most telling statistic from the game was that the 49ers never reached the red zone. Their deepest penetration into Rams territory came during a third-quarter field goal drive when they reached the 27-yard line. This marked the first time since Week 11 of 2010 that the 49ers didn’t run a single play inside the opponent’s 25-yard line, underscoring their inability to move the ball and score.

What’s Next for the 49ers?

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the 49ers must regroup quickly. Their offense needs to find a rhythm, and the team must resolve the internal issues, including the situation with Campbell, if they are to have any chance of salvaging their season. The road ahead is tough, but with key players returning from injury and the defense playing at a high level, there is still hope—if the offense can turn things around in time.