In the San Francisco 49ers' final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, they sat virtually all of their starters in preparation for the regular season. Linebacker Tatum Bethune, however, played... a lot.
The third-year man was considered a fringe player heading into the game, as his spot on the roster was far from solidified. With a crowded linebacker room, he was on the outside of the bubble lookng in. The bruiser must've known this, because he answered the call in a major way.
Bethune finished the game with nine tackles, second only to fellow linebacker Jaden Duggar. He also delivered one tackle for a loss and intercepted first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza. It was a potentially career-saving performance. Now, it's a question of how many linebackers the 49ers wish to carry on their 53-man roster.
Tatum Bethune could force 49ers to make unusual decision
Bethune's hearty performance could force San Francisco's hand in a unique way. As it stands, six inside linebackers, excluding Bethune, are projected to make the roster. Even though it is highly unusual for a team to carry more than that, the 49ers might be in the perfect spot to do so.
Injuries have already plagued this year's squad. Both starting edge rushers, Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, are currently out due to injury, and the 49ers are at risk of entering the season in the same place they were last year: without a viable pass rush.
Jaden Dugger's versatility, however, could allow him to move out to the edge. He has done as much in practice and may need get used to the role if injuries persist.
Tatum Bethune could assume same role as last year for 49ers
With Nick Martin presumably playing special teams full time and Fred Warner coming off a serious injury, it makes sense to keep extra LB talent around. Injuries will play a factor throughout the season. Ailments have already been a prominent theme in training camp, and the Niners will surely experience more of the same as the season progresses.
If the linebacking room gets hit with the bug, Bethune could assume a similar role he enjoyed last year. He became essential after Warner broke and dislocated his ankle, and, if not for him, the red and gold would have been bare-bones in the interior of their defense.
If anyone needed a standout performance on Thursday, it was Tatum Bethune, and he delivered. Now, his fate will be up to Kyle Shanahan and the rest of the coaching staff. All he can do in the meantime is wait.
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