Key defenders and a crucial kicker are sidelined for both 49ers and Panthers, intensifying this high-stakes primetime clash.
When the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers take the field on Monday Night Football, both teams will be doing so without several important contributors on each side of the ball. With playoff implications beginning to sharpen and both defenses playing meaningful roles in recent weeks, the timing of these injuries adds an extra layer of pressure.
49ers Enter Primetime Thin on Defense and Special Teams
San Francisco will be without linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Bethune has grown into one of the 49ers’ most dependable young defenders, making his absence especially notable against a Panthers offense that has leaned on open-field plays and underneath passing in recent weeks.
The 49ers will also be missing defensive end Robert Beal Jr., who remains in concussion protocol. Beal’s speed and ability to rotate in as an edge rusher have been vital amid the team’s injury-heavy season. Without him, San Francisco loses depth on a defensive line that has already asked a lot from its younger pass rushers.
Special teams takes a hit as well, kicker Eddy Piñeiro is officially out with a hamstring injury. Piñeiro’s absence puts pressure on the 49ers to convert red-zone trips into touchdowns and avoids potential long-distance field-goal attempts that could swing momentum in a close game. They did sign LA Rams kicker, Matt Gay, in the meantime but they are without their go-to guy.
Linebacker Luke Gifford is listed as questionable with hip and neck issues. While Gifford is not officially ruled out, his status will likely be a game-time decision, leaving San Francisco with uncertainty at a position already impacted by Bethune’s injury.
Panthers Also Missing Key Defensive Pieces
Carolina’s defense will be without two inside linebackers. Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring) have both been ruled out. Losing both significantly weakens the second level of the Panthers’ defense, especially against a 49ers offense featuring Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and a heavy dose of play-action. Wallace and Rozeboom have been major contributors, making their absence a notable advantage for San Francisco’s ground and intermediate passing attacks.
Offensively, the Panthers will also be without center Cade Mays, who is out with an ankle injury. Mays’ absence disrupts the continuity of the Panthers’ interior offensive line, making protection and run-game rhythm more challenging for Bryce Young in a hostile road environment.
A High-Stakes Primetime Meeting
With both teams short-handed, Monday night’s matchup will test roster depth, adaptability, and coaching creativity. As injuries mount, the spotlight grows even brighter on the young players stepping into larger roles under the primetime stage.