Young 49ers defenders step up to challenge in loss to Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 49ers' stars sat out Saturday's 17-13 preseason-opening loss to the Tennessee Titans, giving the next generation of players the chance to show their progress. Several young defenders — including linebackers Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune and Curtis Robinson, and safety Malik Mustapha — made the most of their opportunity, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was pleased with their performance. "I thought they showed up," Shanahan said. "I'm excited to watch them on the plane, see the tape. I loved how Dee — when you run and hit, that stuff flashes on the sidelines. Saw that from him, saw that from Mustapha. I was pretty excited with those guys." Mustapha, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick, proved his worth in more than one phase of the game, with two key tackles on defense and one on special teams. The Titans were 2 yards away from a touchdown on a fourth-and-1 in the second quarter, but the rookie stood up Titans running back Hassan Haskins for a turnover on downs. Not too much later, on the second-half-opening kickoff, Mustapha stopped Titans returner Kearis Jackson in his tracks, limiting him to an 18-yard return. Bethune, a 2024 seventh-round pick, also made an...