49ers preseason debut put their LB depth to the test when Tatum Bethune exited early in the second quarter with an ankle injury after a tackle on Tyler Badie. San Francisco listed him questionable to return as Fred Warner rested and Dee Winters logged a few series. Bethune, a 2024 seventh-rounder from Florida State, appeared sparingly as a rookie but carried limited defensive snaps and special-teams duties. If the ankle sidelines him longer, Nick Martin, Luke Gifford and Stone Blanton are poised to soak up more work behind Warner.

With Bethune sidelined, Winters flashed potential to move up the depth chart, and the veteran presence of Martin plus Blanton’s versatility could shape the early-season rotation. The return of Bethune before the second-quarter conclusion offered a cautious sign for SF’s long-term health and hinted at a flexible LB scheme once the real games begin, making every snap in camp a pivot point for the 49ers’ IDP fantasy landscape.

Bethune came back before the quarter ended, easing concerns and signaling prudent rehab. As camp continues, the primary question for fantasy managers is who will seize the extra snaps behind Warner, especially if Bethune’s status lingers. Winters’ development to a reliable depth option could provide immediate upside in tackle-heavy formats.