Tatum Bethune steps up: Rookie linebacker leads 49ers defense after Fred Warner’s season-ending injury
49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune. Image Source: tatumx15/instagram
The San Francisco 49ers are facing one of their toughest challenges of the season after losing star linebacker Fred Warner to a season-ending ankle injury. But amid the setback, rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune has quickly emerged as the next man up, and potentially, the heart of the 49ers defense.
Rookie Steps Up After Warner’s Devastating Injury
Fred Warner’s injury occurred during Sunday’s 30–19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran linebacker, who has missed just one game since entering the NFL in 2018, suffered a broken and dislocated right ankle in the first quarter.
As medical staff carted Warner off the field, second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune took charge. Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Bethune delivered a standout performance, leading the team with 10 tackles and showing flashes of the relentless energy that defined Warner’s leadership.
“Fred getting hurt was unfortunate, but this is why we’re professionals, we all have a job to do,” Bethune told reporters after the game.
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Shanahan Backs Bethune to Anchor the Defense
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Bethune’s composure and confirmed that the young linebacker will get the first opportunity to replace Warner as the 49ers’ defensive centerpiece for the remainder of the season.
“You prepare as a starter for moments like this,” Shanahan said. “Bethune played with confidence and energy. He’s earned his shot.”
The former Florida State standout, selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, had just one career start prior to Sunday’s game. But his performance has given the 49ers reason to believe they’ve found a capable successor to one of the league’s top defenders.
49ers Bolster Depth Amid Injury Crisis
According to Niners Nation, the 49ers have begun working out additional linebackers to reinforce depth. The team reportedly hosted Kam Arnold, Stone Blanton, Ben Niemann, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and Chandler Wooten for workouts following Warner’s injury.
Currently, the linebacker rotation includes Tatum Bethune, Dee Winters, Luke Gifford, Nick Martin, and Curtis Robinson, with Jalen Graham on the practice squad. However, Shanahan emphasized that Bethune will remain the starting middle linebacker moving forward.
Warner’s Absence Leaves a Leadership Void
Fred Warner’s injury has left not just a performance gap but also a leadership vacuum in the locker room. Warner, regarded as the “heart and soul” of the 49ers defense, was on pace to surpass Patrick Willis’ franchise record for career tackles before his injury.
“It’s a gut punch,” said left tackle Trent Williams. “Fred is one of the best linebackers ever to play the game. Seeing him go down was heartbreaking, but Bethune showed he’s ready to carry the torch.”
A Golden Opportunity for Tatum Bethune
Bethune’s path to the NFL wasn’t easy. Known for his explosive tackling and instinctive play, he built a reputation at Florida State as a high-motor defender who thrives under pressure. Now, with Warner sidelined, he faces the ultimate test, anchoring one of the NFL’s most respected defensive units.
The 49ers, currently battling through injuries to Nick Bosa, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and others, are counting on Bethune to deliver consistency and leadership on the field.
As the season continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Tatum Bethune can not only fill Fred Warner’s shoes but also carve out his own legacy in San Francisco.
FAQ
1. Who is Tatum Bethune?
Tatum Bethune is a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and a former Florida State University standout. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he has quickly earned recognition for his aggressive tackling and leadership qualities.
2. Why is Tatum Bethune replacing Fred Warner?
Bethune was elevated to the starting middle linebacker position after Fred Warner suffered a broken and dislocated right ankle, ending his 2025 season.
3. How did Fred Warner get injured?
Warner sustained the injury during the first quarter of the 49ers’ 30–19 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when safety Ji’Ayir Brown’s legs rolled into the back of Warner’s ankle during a tackle.
4. How did Tatum Bethune perform in his first major game?
In his first extended appearance, Bethune led the team with 10 tackles, demonstrating strong field awareness and poise under pressure.
5. Will the 49ers sign another linebacker?
According to reports from Niners Nation, the 49ers are considering additional linebacker signings, having worked out Kam Arnold, Ben Niemann, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin for depth.
6. What college did Tatum Bethune attend?
Bethune played college football at Florida State University, where he became one of the top defensive leaders in the ACC before entering the NFL.
7. What are Tatum Bethune’s key strengths?
Bethune is known for his explosive tackling, quick decision-making, and ability to read offensive plays, traits that mirror the leadership style of Fred Warner.
8. How long is Fred Warner expected to be out?
Warner will miss the remainder of the 2025 NFL season after undergoing surgery on his broken and dislocated ankle.
9. How has the 49ers’ defense been affected by injuries?
The 49ers have lost several key players, including Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and George Kittle, significantly testing their defensive depth heading into Week 7.
10. Can Tatum Bethune become a long-term starter?
If Bethune continues to perform at a high level, he could secure a permanent starting role and become a central figure in the 49ers defense beyond 2025.
