San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced linebacker Tatum Bethune will miss the postseason after suffering a significant groin injury in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks. Shanahan said Bethune might need surgery for the tear.
Linebacker Dee Winters, who appeared to have gotten his calf stepped on, has an ankle injury, and Luke Gifford, who has a quad injury, will be evaluated as the week goes on.
Eric Kendricks will take over for Bethune as the starter. He played well in Week 18 and was arguably the 49ers’ best defensive player.
As for Fred Warner, the 49ers are eyeing a potential return in the NFC Championship, if they can make it that far. That would bethe time when the 49ers would open Warner’s practice window.
So, until then, it’ll be Kendricks playing MIKE linebacker, and Garrett Wallow or Curtis Robinson filling in for Winters at WILL if he can’t suit up. Then, if Gifford can’t play, the other linebacker between Wallow or Robinson would play SAM linebacker.
Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall will be evaluated throughout the week. Pearsall reaggravated his PCL, per Shanahan.
Jacob Cowing’s practice window will open. He’ll practice on Wednesday. This past offseason, Shanahan said, “I thought Jake had one of the best OTAs out of anybody on our team, in terms of the most improved and the most prepared.”
Brock Purdy checked out OK after a left shoulder stinger.
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