"Like Fred Warner, Tatum Bethune takes pride in his communication skills. Yet when the 49ers underwent a sudden and shocking changing of the guard at middle linebacker, there wasn't so much as a spoken word between mentor and pupil. When Fred got hurt, we just gave each other a look and honestly just spoke just by looking at each other, Bethune said this week. We understood what needed to be done and the challenge I have ahead of me and the opportunity I have also."
"Warner is done for the season barring a miracle postseason comeback after undergoing surgery Tuesday. He's the best in the league, probably a future Hall of Famer, Bethune said. So that's big shoes to fill, honestly, and everybody knows that. I'll just be me, Tatum Bethune. I'm here for a reason. They understand my traits and attributes and that's what I'm going to do."
Fred Warner suffered a broken and dislocated right ankle with 7:48 left in the first quarter against the Buccaneers and underwent surgery, ending his season barring a miracle comeback. Tatum Bethune will step into the 49ers' starting middle linebacker role Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Bethune and Warner communicated nonverbally after the injury, recognizing the challenge and opportunity ahead. Warner is a four-time first-team All-Pro widely regarded as among the league's best and a probable future Hall of Famer. Bethune, a second-year Florida State product, was a seventh-round pick (No. 251) and the last of eight 49ers selections in 2024. As a rookie he was inactive five times and played only a dozen defensive snaps before seeing more work.
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