San Francisco 49ers Facing Serious Linebacker Shortage Ahead of Wild Card Playoff Game

In a season already filled with ups and downs, the San Francisco 49ers are once again facing a tough challenge as they head into the playoffs. The team, which has had its fair share of injury woes, is now faced with the reality of being dangerously thin at linebacker, a position vital to their defensive scheme. It’s not unfamiliar territory for the 49ers, who have consistently battled injuries throughout the season, but this latest setback could be the most significant yet.

The injury to Tatum Bethune, who had already missed a short period of play earlier in the season, has now become a more pressing issue. Unfortunately for the 49ers, it’s been confirmed that Bethune will be sidelined for the entirety of the playoffs, further depleting the linebacker corps. This leaves San Francisco with a tough decision as they now have to rely on their third-string middle linebacker, a situation no team wants to be in during the postseason.

Bethune’s injury comes on top of the already concerning injury reports for other key players in the linebacker unit. Dee Winters and Luke Gifford are also nursing injuries, and it remains uncertain whether either will be able to suit up for the playoff opener. Both players were forced to leave early in Week 18, and neither returned to action. These injuries, combined with the absences of Fred Warner and Nick Martin (both of whom are currently on Injured Reserve), could leave the 49ers without their top five linebackers—on paper, at least—as they enter the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

With such a depleted group, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will step up for the 49ers at linebacker?

Eric Kendricks to Step In and Start for 49ers

When it comes to filling the void, it seems like the 49ers are already leaning towards one of the most experienced players in their linebacker group: Eric Kendricks. Kendricks, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of playoff experience, will almost certainly be called upon to start this week. Though he has had some time to adjust to the system in recent weeks, he has shown the ability to get up to speed quickly. While Kendricks may not have the same speed he once did, his football IQ and ability to read the game have remained top-notch.

The 49ers may have considered giving Kendricks a starting role even before Bethune’s injury, especially as they prepared for the playoffs. In these big moments, having a player like Kendricks—who can diagnose plays quickly—is invaluable. His experience in high-stakes games could be the difference-maker, as he provides stability to a defense that has been decimated by injuries. As the 49ers prepare to face a formidable Wild Card opponent, they’ll be counting on Kendricks’ leadership and knowledge of the game to guide them through the crucial playoff rounds.

Depth Chart Shifting: Who Else Will Play?

As for the rest of the linebacker unit, the 49ers are going to have to get creative. Garrett Wallow, who recently stepped in for Dee Winters, is expected to play a significant role if Winters remains unavailable. Wallow was chosen over Curtis Robinson as the backup for Winters, as Wallow is better suited for the WILL linebacker position, while Robinson has primarily worked as the MIKE linebacker behind Bethune. Despite Wallow’s relatively short tenure with the team, his ability to fit into the system quickly makes him a natural choice to step in.

However, if Luke Gifford is unable to play, Robinson will likely take on a different role—playing as the third linebacker on the field. This would be a shift in Robinson’s usual responsibilities, but it’s not expected to be a major change, as he would only see limited snaps. The team simply does not have many other viable options to plug into this position, and Robinson’s familiarity with the defense could be crucial in this situation. If Robinson ends up being called upon for a larger role, his flexibility and adaptability could prove valuable for the 49ers as they continue to adjust to their injury-ravaged roster.

Roster Moves: IR and Practice Squad Call-Ups Likely

Given the dire situation at linebacker, the 49ers are expected to make some roster moves in the coming days. First and foremost, Tatum Bethune is likely to be placed on the Injured Reserve list, which would open up a spot for Eric Kendricks to be called up to the active roster. This move would allow the 49ers to solidify their depth and ensure that they have enough healthy bodies to compete in the postseason.

With Kendricks added to the active roster, the 49ers can then use a practice squad call-up to bring in Jalen Graham, who would serve as the team’s fourth linebacker if either Winters or Gifford is unable to play. Graham, who has been working with the practice squad, has shown promise in limited appearances, and the 49ers will hope that his fresh legs can provide some depth in a position that has been ravaged by injury.

Still, the team is not out of the woods yet. If both Winters and Gifford are unable to play, the 49ers may have to make additional moves to shore up the linebacker position. As of now, however, they do not have any other proven players ready to step in. Don’t be surprised if the team adds another linebacker to the practice squad in the coming days, and that player could very well make his debut on special teams this Sunday. The 49ers may be forced to get creative with their roster management to ensure they have enough healthy players to compete at a high level.

Looking Ahead: Can the 49ers Overcome Their Injuries?

Despite the growing concerns over their linebacker depth, the San Francisco 49ers have a strong defense overall, and the presence of players like Fred Warner (when healthy) and Nick Bosa could help mitigate some of the damage caused by these injuries. However, the absence of key linebackers during the playoffs is a major challenge that could have long-term consequences for the team’s playoff run.

The 49ers’ defensive unit has been one of the team’s strongest assets all season, and they’ll need to dig deep and rely on their depth and experience to get past their Wild Card opponent. The leadership of players like Kendricks and the adaptability of Wallow and Robinson will be essential if the 49ers are to succeed despite their injury woes.

As the team prepares for the postseason, all eyes will be on their linebacker corps and whether they can hold up against one of the most competitive playoff fields in recent memory. The 49ers have had their fair share of challenges this season, but if they can overcome their injury crisis at linebacker, they may just have what it takes to make a deep playoff run.