49ers Player Awaiting Decision From NFL After Jaxson Dart Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 3, 2025 7:03 AM ET

Key Points:

Tatum Bethune had a big game for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Bethune recorded a career-high 16 tackles and a pass defense in 49ers' win over the New York Giants.
Bethune was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a tackle on QB Jaxson Dart.

Tatum Bethune turned in a career performance on Sunday as he helped the San Francisco 49ers secure a 34-24 win over Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants. The 24-year-old linebacker has been building momentum since replacing the injured Fred Warner in the starting lineup in Week 6, and Bethune had arguably his best outing as a pro in Sunday’s victory.

The second-year LB registered a career-high 16 total tackles (eight solo) and a pass defense against the Giants. In his last four games, Bethune has amassed 50 total tackles (21 solo). The former Florida State Seminoles standout is no Fred Warner, but he’s done admirably to fill the void the four-time All-Pro LB has left since suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 6.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune (48) before the game against the Atlanta Falcons.© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Bethune, however, was involved in an incident in the third quarter — one that saw the Niners concede a 10-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.

On first-and-10 from the Niners’ 25-yard line, Dart took the shotgun snap and scrambled up the middle for a six-yard gain. It was Bethune who stopped the Giants quarterback with a hard hit, making contact with Dart’s head. The San Francisco LB was flagged for a penalty, which was enforced from the Niners’ 19-yard line.

For context, Niners star tackle Trent Williams was previously fined $11,593 after a Week 6 incident against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 11-time Pro Bowler was hit with a hefty fine for unnecessary roughness away from the play.

The NFL announces its accountability report every Saturday. By then, Bethune will know the league's decision regarding his incident and whether he will need to pay a fine for his tackle on Dart.

The 49ers improved to 6-3 after Sunday’s victory, while the Giants are now 2-7.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: