With the San Francisco 49ers' final preseason game comes the final chance for fringe-roster players to prove themselves. The game means significantly more for some than others, and, for linebacker Tatum Bethune, it could mean everything.
The third-year man served as a backup last season until Fred Warner's season-ending injury thrust him into a starting role he may not have been ready for. While he showed flashes of promise, it wasn’t enough to solidify his spot in this season's rotation. Last year, PFF graded him the 70th-best linebacker out of the 88 who qualified at the position, as he left much to be desired.
Now, he faces a crowded off-ball linebacking room, and he may be looking like the odd man out, barring a miracle.
49ers' bolstered defensive depth may spell the end for Tatum Bethune
With Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Garrett Wallow, Luke Gifford, and Jaden Dugger all locks to make the final roster, Bethune has all the makings of a cut candidate. Even Nick Martin, a sophomore who disappointed in his rookie campaign, has appeared to carve out a niche role on special teams.
Thursday's preseason against the Las Vegas Raiders may make or break his chances of cracking the roster. If he performs adequately, the 49ers would be more inclined to reserve a spot for him, especially given his history filling in for other interior players.
If his performance leaves much to be desired, however, Kyle Shanahan may no longer have a need for the fill-in. Bethune is certainly in a high-pressure situation entering the game. Whether he can perform under the stress may sway the coaching staff one way or the other.
Bethune's window to make roster may not be on defense
With players like Jaden Duggar providing the 49ers with added roster flexibility, Bethune may simply not be needed on the defensive side of the football.
His best chance to make an impression on Thursday may be on special teams. Especially given how suspect Martin's 2025 season was, Bethune could potentially overtake the role. It would surely be a step down from what he is used to, but given how many interior options there currently are, it might be his last chance.
Tatum Bethune was serviceable in a pinch last season, but it might not be enough to justify his position on this year's squad. Unfortunately, he just so happens to play at San Francisco's deepest position. While they have suffered numerous injuries elsewhere on the field, the linebacker room is very much intact, thus thrusting Bethune to the outskirts of the 53-man roster.
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