Antoine Bethea Injury: Updates on 49ers Safety's Pectoral and Return

San Francisco 49ers safety Antoine Bethea suffered a season-ending torn pectoral against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

Continue for updates.

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Bethea Out for Season

Friday, Oct. 23

The 49ers announced they placed Bethea on season-ending injured reserve.

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How Bethea's Injury Impacts 49ers

Bethea, whom the Indianapolis Colts selected in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft, has developed into one of the league's most reliable safeties. His presence has been important for the 49ers this season following a mass exodus on the defensive side of the ball during the offseason.

One of the reasons for his consistency over the years has been his terrific durability. He's appeared in all 16 regular-season games for seven straight years; he last missed a contest during the 2007 campaign with the Colts. It's an underrated quality for any player.

With Bethea forced to miss time, Jaquiski Tartt may get a chance to prove himself in an extensive role. The 49ers could also use a rotation at the position depending on whether it's a rushing or passing situation.

Either way, a defense that was already short on depth will take another step back with Bethea out of the lineup.