The 49ers signed defensive back Tyvis Powell to a one-year deal to take his roster spot.
Witherspoon landed awkwardly out of bounds while attempting to tackle Seahawks running back Chris Carson. He was assisted to the locker room and did not return to the game. Witherspoon's recovery is expected to last a few weeks, which means it should not impact his availability for 2019 or the team's offseason activities.
"I wish he could have finished these last two games," Shanahan told reporters on Monday. "I think he definitely was finishing better than he started, but his story's not written yet. He's got to improve, and hopefully, he'll come back here ready to go next year, and take off the way he finished."
Rookie cornerback Tarvarius Moore, who replaced Witherspoon on Sunday, will start during the 49ers' final two games of the season.
The 49ers made Witherspoon a third-round draft pick out of Colorado in 2017. He has appeared in 26 games with 21 starts over his two seasons and registered 69 tackles, 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Powell appeared in four games with one start for San Francisco this season. He registered five tackles and one forced fumble on defense in addition to one special teams tackle before being waived by the team on November 12. Powell was signed to the New York Jets practice squad on December 4 and released on December 11.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: How much will Kaelon Black play as a rookie? Will SF sign any more free agents? Will the defense be any better in 2026?
The San Francisco 49ers have started OTAs (organized team activities), and there's finally actual football to discuss. It may not be like training camp, but it's close enough. And training camp isn't too far away. We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to see what was on your... -
49ers urged to counter Myles Garrett trade with blockbuster move of their own
The NFC West landscape shifted dramatically this week when the Los Angeles Rams acquired star pass rusher Myles Garrett, creating another obstacle in the San Francisco 49ers' pursuit of a division title. In response to the move, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay proposed a... -
49ers facing harsh reality as NFL execs label Brandon Aiyuk 'untradeable'
There appears to be no trade market for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, despite the team's hope that interest could eventually develop. With rival teams believing the 49ers will ultimately release the disgruntled receiver, there is little incentive to surrender... -
Where does 49ers' Mac Jones rank among NFL backup QBs by trade value?
Mac Jones saved the San Francisco 49ers' season in 2025. That wasn't a statement any fan expected to hear before last season began. But it happened. And it's not an overreaction. Starting QB Brock Purdy missed eight games in 2025. And Jones filled in admirably, going 5-3, and...