49ers lose another linebacker, two more questionable ahead of game vs. Eagles
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday that linebacker Tatum Bethune (groin) is out for the remainder of the season. The 2024 seventh-round pick was injured during San Francisco’s Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Bethune had already replaced the injured All-Pro Fred Warner, who suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in Week 6. The 49ers ruled it a season-ending injury for their standout linebacker, although Shanahan said Monday there was a chance Warner could return if the 49ers advanced to the NFC Championship Game.
“I think it’s too far right now,” Shanahan said Monday via The Athletic. “It’s a possibility as we get closer to a possible third game here, a championship game. But it’s not something we’re thinking about right now.”
Bethune’s illness isn’t the linebacker’s only injury. Dee Winters (ankle) and Luke Gifford (quadriceps) will be evaluated throughout the week before the 49ers’ wild card game against the Philadelphia Eagles after being injured in the Seattle game, Shanahan said.
The only other linebackers on San Francisco’s current active roster are Curtis Robinson and Garret Wallow. Robinson hasn’t played since Week 15; Wallow only joined the team less than a month ago, although he ended up seeing 40 defensive snaps against the Seahawks.
The 49ers also have Eric Kendricks, signed in late November, on the practice squad; The 11th-year veteran got his first start of the year in Week 18 and will likely play a significant role again.
“I really trust Eric,” Shanahan said. “He’s been here quite a long time, he came in the last few weeks and I’m glad we got him for this situation.”
The 49ers have been ravaged by injuries all year. Nick Bosa he tore his ACL in Week 3, and first-round rookie Mykel Williams tore his ACL in Week 9. Offensively, Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall all missed time, and Trent Williams (hamstring) missed Week 18.
San Francisco is a 4.5-point underdog in Philadelphia according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
