The injury bug bit the San Francisco 49ers again on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Linebacker Tatum Bethune has a high right ankle sprain and will miss a few weeks, according to Kyle Shanahan. Since the team has a bye week coming up in three weeks, Bethune will not be placed on the Injured Reserve.
Bethune has been a plus run defender since being inserted into the starting lineup in Week 7. He’s among the league leaders in tackles at linebacker during that span. Curtis Robinson filled in for
Bethune, who was filling in for Fred Warner. Robinson will likely continue to play MIKE, unless the team wants to throw Nick Martin into the mix.
Eddy Pineiro will likely miss some time
Eddy Pineiro has a right hamstring injury. He’s day-to-day. The team has yet to discuss potential kicking options, but we can expect several tryouts in the coming days.
Jake Moody is on the Chicago Bears practice squad. The Commanders just released their kicker, Matt Gay. It’ll be interesting to see the direction the team goes. The severity of Pineiro’s injury will determine who they bring in as the kicker.
Brandon Aiyuk and Jacob Cowing updates
The 49ers will not open Brandon Aiyuk’s practice window this week. We are approaching a year and a month removed from Aiyuk’s right knee injury in 2024. The team is patiently waiting for Aiyuk to feel fully comfortable before bringing him back to practice.
While Aiyuk remains week-to-week, we have an update about Jacob Cowing. He could potentially have his practice window opened after the bye week in Week 14. Cowing’s role is to be determined. He was one of the most applauded players during the offseason. Kendrick Bourne only played 13 snaps against Arizona. Once Aiyuk comes back, there may not be a role for Cowing or Bourne.
