49ers LB Bethune Out for Playoffs, Kendricks to Start vs Eagles

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune will miss the remainder of the playoffs after suffering a season-ending groin injury in the team's Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The injury clears the way for veteran Eric Kendricks to start at middle linebacker when the 49ers open their postseason against the Philadelphia Eagles in a wild-card matchup on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Bethune had been a key contributor since stepping in for All-Pro Fred Warner, who suffered a serious ankle injury in Week 6. Over the past eight games, Bethune served as the on-field defensive play-caller, helping to stabilize a unit plagued by injuries. His absence adds to the challenges for a San Francisco defense that has rotated through four different starters at the position this season, including Curtis Robinson earlier in the year.

Kendricks, a 33-year-old with 10 years of NFL experience, joined the 49ers' practice squad in late November after brief stints with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and the Dallas Cowboys this season. The former Minnesota Vikings standout, who appeared in three regular-season games for San Francisco with one start, has played 46 defensive snaps over the...