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San Francisco – November 18, 2025 After the jubilant 41–22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the San Francisco 49ers seemed poised for a full week of celebration over their explosive offense and stable defense. But immediately after the game, the optimistic atmosphere vanished when the team confirmed that linebacker Tatum Bethune — the player heavily expected to step in for Fred Warner — suffered a serious high-ankle sprain. This is the type of injury that requires extended recovery time, plunging the 49ers once again into a severe personnel shortage at the most critical position in their defense. Head coach Kyle Shanahan personally announced Bethune’s status, and his facial expression said everything. “We’re going to have to face it without Tatum for a while,” Shanahan shared. “This type of high-ankle injury is very serious and cannot be rushed. The most important thing right now is that he recovers completely. This news is really hard to swallow, not just for the team but for all the fans – we’re going to miss him on the field.” Bethune’s absence is especially painful because he had been the brightest spot in the defense since Fred Warner went down with injury. Bethune didn’t just fill the “Mike linebacker” role — the position that orchestrates the entire defensive system — he demonstrated outstanding play-reading and decisiveness in tackles. With 67 tackles in 11 games, Bethune had become indispensable. “Tatum has far exceeded our expectations,” Shanahan said. “He communicates excellently, understands the system, and always brings intense energy.” While Bethune is out, Curtis Robinson will be elevated to the starting lineup, and the organization will most likely add another linebacker to the practice squad to maintain roster depth. Shanahan openly admitted the situation is a “major challenge” now that the team has lost both Warner and his best replacement. “This is a heavy blow to our defensive plans,” Shanahan said frankly. “But this is the NFL, and we have to adapt immediately.” Tactical adjustments will be mandatory in the coming weeks. News of Bethune’s injury instantly sent the 49ers fanbase into worry, especially as the team is aiming to re-establish itself as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The linebacker position has long been the heart of Shanahan’s defensive system, and losing two consecutive leaders back-to-back has made the short-term future uncertain. Shanahan tried to reassure fans but couldn’t hide his caution: “We believe in the guys who are still here, but yes… this is a tough stretch.” The 49ers can now only hope Bethune recovers in time for the decisive final stretch of the season.