Ji'Ayir Brown Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Panthers vs 49ers game on Monday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 10, 2025
Notches double-digit tackles
Brown recorded 10 tackles (three solo) and one pass defensed in Sunday's 42-26 loss to the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Brown has served as the 49ers' strong safety since Week 6, and he logged 100 percent of defensive snaps for the fifth straight game. He had his most productive game of the season, with his previous high being five tackles. Brown also has a pass defensed in consecutive contests.
Aug 17, 2025
Makes preseason debut vs. Raiders
Brown (ankle) logged four tackles (three solo) during the 49ers' 22-19 preseason win over the Raiders on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
An ankle injury prevented Brown from playing in the Niners' preseason opener against the Broncos, but he was cleared to make his preseason debut Saturday and logged 33 snaps (30 on defense, three on special teams). The 2023 third-rounder saw an increased role in the 49ers' defense during his sophomore campaign, finishing with 77 tackles (48 solo) and six pass defenses (one interception) across 17 regular-season games. Brown is slated to start at safety, but with Malik Mustapha (knee) still on the PUP list, it's unclear who will be starting alongside the former by Week 1.
Aug 4, 2025
Sits out of practice Monday
Brown (ankle) did not participate in practice Monday, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
The safety appears to be dealing with the same issue that kept him out of minicamp in June, as he has now missed two sessions during training camp as well, per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Brown has participated in most of the training camp sessions so far, though, so the injury does not appear to be serious. The 2023 third-round pick stepped into a starting role last year, recording 77 tackles (48 solo) and six pass breakups.
Jul 30, 2025
Recovered from ankle injury
Brown (ankle) has participated in practices during the 49ers' first week of training camp, Jerry McDonald of The Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown was held out of minicamp in June due to an ankle injury, but he has recovered enough to be given the green light to participate in training camp practices. The 2023 third-rounder saw a bigger role on the 49ers' defense during his sophomore campaign and finished with 77 tackles (48 solo) and six pass defenses (one interception) across 17 regular-season campaign. Brown is expected to start at safety alongside Malik Mustapha (knee) in 2025.
Jun 10, 2025
Not participating in minicamp
Brown (ankle) isn't participating in San Francisco's minicamp, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown continues to deal with an ankle injury that he picked up earlier in the offseason. The 25-year-old is expected to be healthy in time for training camp and should serve as one of the team's starting safeties once the regular season begins.
May 29, 2025
Dealing with ankle issue
Brown will be out until training camp after undergoing a procedure on his ankle, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a bit of a hiccup for the safety who enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign in 2024, recording 77 tackles (48 solo), including three for a loss, and six pass breakups, including an interception. As long as Brown really does return for training camp, though, he should be in line to start again in 2025.
Jan 17, 2025
Solid sophomore season
Brown finished the regular season with 77 tackles (48 solo) and one interception across 17 starts for San Francisco.
ANALYSIS
Brown built off of his solid rookie campaign in 2023 by serving as the team's starting free safety as a sophomore. The converted corner didn't provide any eye-opening stats from an IDP perspective, but he played his role well for a team that struggled as a whole unit in 2024. Brown figures to start at free safety again for the 49ers next season barring a big-name addition in free agency.
Jan 5, 2025
Will suit up in season finale
Brown (ankle) is active for Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown had been questionable entering the weekend due to a lingering ankle issue, but he'll be available for San Francisco's final game of the campaign. The second-year safety logged only 25 percent of San Francisco's defensive snaps last Monday against Detroit, so he may not see a full workload again versus Arizona. Talanoa Hufanga and Malik Mustapha have gotten the most snaps at safety for the 49ers over the past two weeks while Brown has been dealing with the ankle issue.
Jan 3, 2025
Questionable for Week 18
Brown (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals, Bo Brack of GoPHNX.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown appeared to be trending toward not playing in Sunday's divisional contest after downgrading to no participation at Thursday's practice. However, the second-year safety then logged another limited session Friday, giving himself a chance to suit up in Week 18. If Brown is able to play through his ankle issue, he's expected to start alongside Talanoa Hufanga as part of San Francisco's top safety duo.
Jan 2, 2025
Downgrades to DNP on Thursday
Brown (ankle) was a non-participant in Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown was limited in Wednesday's session, so this is a downgrade for San Francisco's safety headed into Sunday's Week 18 finale against the Cardinals. The Niners have a laundry list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball and could be playing a number of backups in a game that has little meaning for either club.
Jan 1, 2025
Limited to open week
Brown (ankle) was a limited participant at the 49ers' practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Brown was able to play through the ankle injury in the team's 40-34 loss to the Lions in Week 17, recording two tackles (one solo). His ability to practice in a limited fashion Wednesday is a good sign for his availability for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cardinals.
Dec 30, 2024
Good to go against Detroit
Brown (ankle) is active for Monday night's game against the Lions, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown suffered an ankle injury in Week 16 against the Dolphins, but he has been cleared to play Monday after being limited in practice all week. The 2023 third-round pick has logged 70 tackles (45 solo) and five pass defenses (including one interception) across 15 regular-season games.
Dec 28, 2024
Questionable for Week 17
Brown (ankle) is listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Lions, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown suffered an ankle injury during the 49ers' Week 16 loss to the Dolphins. The injury limited him in practice all week and he is in danger of missing his first game of the regular season. Should Brown be inactive for MNF, Malik Mustapha would likely serve as the 49ers' starting free safety alongside strong safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Dec 26, 2024
Opens week with limited practice
Brown (ankle) logged a limited practice session Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Brown hurt his ankle in Sunday's loss to Miami, and he was able to play only four defensive snaps in that contest. His ability to log a limited practice Thursday suggests the second-year safety could be available Monday against Detroit, though his practice participation level Friday and Saturday certainly bears monitoring. If Brown can't suit up against the Lions, Talanoa Hufanga and Malik Mustapha would likely serve as San Francisco's starting safeties, with Tashaun Gipson working in a rotational role.
Dec 23, 2024
Dealing with ankle injury
Brown (ankle) is day-to-day with an ankle injury ahead of Monday's matchup with the Lions, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown picked up an ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, recording one solo tackle while playing four defensive snaps and 15 snaps on special teams. With San Francisco eliminated from postseason contention, the team will likely be cautious with their impressive second-year safety before Week 17. Brown's status will be worth monitoring when the 49ers host their first official practice of the week Thursday.
Dec 18, 2024
Past groin injury
Brown (groin) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Brown injured his groin during the 49ers' 12-6 loss to the Rams this past Thursday and finished with six tackles (four solo). It doesn't appear to be a lingering issue as he was able to practice without limitations Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, Brown should be good to go against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Dec 16, 2024
Solid day despite getting hurt
Brown (groin) recorded six tackles (four solo) during Thursday's 12-6 loss versus the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Brown picked up a groin issue in Week 15, but along the way, he also racked up six-plus tackles for the fourth time this season. If he's at full strength, he should start at safety next to Talanoa Hufanga in Week 16 at Miami.
Dec 13, 2024
Viewed as day-to-day
Brown (groin) is considered day-to-day after being injured in Thursday night's loss to the Rams, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown gets an extended break ahead of the 49ers' Week 16 game against the Dolphins, so his practice participation level will be monitored next week. Tashaun Gipson replaced Brown in the lineup against Los Angeles and would be in line for an increased role if Brown is unable to play next week.
Dec 12, 2024
Questionable to return Thursday
Brown (groin) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Rams, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
The safety made five tackles (three solo) before exiting. Brown has 68 tackles (43 solo) and five pass breakups, including an interception, on the year. Tashaun Gipson is in for him, per Inman.
Dec 3, 2024
Leads 9ers in tackles Sunday
Brown recorded eight tackles (five solo) during Sunday's 35-10 loss at Buffalo.
ANALYSIS
In what was a dismal day for San Francisco as a whole, Brown at least tied his season-high tackle total. He figures to remain in an every-down role next to rookie fourth-rounder Malik Mustapha at least until Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) is available to play again.
Oct 12, 2024
Records eight stops on TNF
Brown posted eight tackles (six solo), including one for loss, in a 36-24 Week 6 win over Seattle on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Brown tied for second on the team in tackles behind Fred Warner (11). The free safety's eight stops also tied his season-high mark. Brown has logged every one of the 49ers' defensive snaps in five of the team's six contests so far this year.
Oct 9, 2024
Set to play
Brown (ankle) will play Thursday against the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
Brown left Sunday's loss to the Cardinals early with the injury, then logged back-to-back limited practice sessions to start the week. However, after being listed as a full participant Wednesday, the 24-year-old has the all-clear to suit up for Thursday's divisional matchup.
Oct 7, 2024
Limited Monay
Brown (ankle) was a limited participant on Monday's practice estimate, Josh Dubow of The Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown injured his ankle in Sunday's game versus the Cardinals. His status will need to be monitored as the week progresses. If he is ultimately unable to suit up Thursday in Seattle, Malik Mustapha would likely be next-man-up at free safety.
Oct 6, 2024
Exits with injury
Brown (ankle) has left Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown's departure will leave the 49ers down both of their starting safeties going into halftime, as Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) has already been ruled out for the remainder of the game. Brown will try to return in the second half; however, if he is unable to, Malik Mustapha will likely handle snaps at free safety.
Oct 1, 2024
Leads Niners with eight tackles
Brown tallied eight tackles (five solo) and one pass defended during Sunday's 30-13 win over the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Brown was the leading tackler for the 49ers on Sunday, and his eight tackles were the most in a regular-season game of his young career. The 2023 third-round pick emerged as a starter in his rookie season, and he's played every single defensive snap through the first four regular-season games of 2024. Brown is up to 20 tackles (13 solo) and three passes defended on the year.
Feb 20, 2024
Finishes rookie season as starter
Brown recorded 35 tackles (22 solo) with two interceptions over 15 games with San Francisco in 2023.
ANALYSIS
The third round pick started the season backing up Talanoa Hufanga while being mixed in on certain defensive packages. A combination of strong play and an injury to Hufanga afforded Brown the opportunity to thrive as the starting strong safety for a dominant 49ers defense in the second half of the season. Veteran starting free safety Tashaun Gipson will be an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason, so Brown has a path to a starting job as a sophomore if the former signs with another club.
Jan 16, 2024
Practices in full Tuesday
Brown (knee) was a full participant at practice Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown sat out of San Francisco's last two regular-season games due to a knee injury, but it looks like he should be available for the divisional round. He figures to start at safety Saturday against a Packers offense that tallied 41 points in the wild-card round.
Jan 5, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Brown (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The third-round rookie will miss his second straight game. Brown took over starting duties for the Niners after Talanoa Hufanga suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 11. Brown will have the upcoming bye week to try and get ready for the Niners' Divisional Round playoff date.
Jan 3, 2024
Unavailable Wednesday
Brown (knee) did not participate at the 49ers' practice Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown missed the team's Week 17 win over the Commanders with a knee injury, which has continued to keep him on the sidelines to open the week. With the 49ers already locked into the top seed in the NFC for the postseason, it's possible that the team opts to keep Brown off the field again in Week 18. More information on the safety's status will come following Thursday's second practice session of the week.
Dec 31, 2023
Sitting out Week 17
Brown (knee) is inactive for Sunday's Week 17 game against the Commanders.
ANALYSIS
Brown will miss his first game of the season due to a knee issue that prevented him from practicing in any capacity this week. The rookie had progressed to a near every-down role of late, playing at least 94 percent of the 49ers' defensive snaps in every game since Week 12. With Brown sidelined Sunday, Logan Ryan is starting at safety.
Dec 27, 2023
Limited Wednesday
Brown (knee) was considered a limited participant at the San Francisco's walkthrough Wednesday, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown popped up on the injury report Wednesday with a knee issue, putting his status for Sunday's contest versus the Commanders in question. The safety will look to increase his workload at practice before the end of the week and if he's unable to go in Week 17, Logan Ryan could step into a starting role in his place.
Dec 12, 2023
Plays every snap again in win
Brown had six tackles (five solo) and one interception in Sunday's 28-16 win over the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
For the second straight game, Brown played every single defensive snap and matched his season-high of six tackles that he had the week prior. The third-round rookie grabbed his second interception of the year early in the fourth quarter on a Drew Lock pass intended for DK Metcalf. Brown has started at strong safety in the last three games after Talanoa Hufanga tore his ACL in Week 11 against the Bucs.
Dec 6, 2023
Does not miss snap in win
Brown recorded seven tackles (five solo) in the 49ers' 42-19 win over the Eagles in Week 13.
ANALYSIS
Brown's tackle count was his highest total of the season. It was his second week starting at strong safety with Talanoa Hufanga (knee) out for the year. He was reliable in the secondary, as the 23-year-old did not miss a snap. Brown will look to carry that momentum into Week 14 versus the Seahawks.
Nov 20, 2023
In line to start
Brown is expected to start at strong safety moving forward after Talanoa Hufanga suffered a torn ACL in the 49ers' win over the Buccaneers on Sunday, Nick Wagoner reports.
ANALYSIS
Brown stepped in after Hufanga suffered the injury, and that will remain the case moving forward. Selected in the third round of the 2023 Draft, Brown has mostly contributed on special teams thus far and played more defensive snaps in Week 11 than he had all season combined. The Penn State product was able to deliver when called upon though, recording four tackles (two solo), three passes defended and an interception, which occurred late in the fourth quarter and helped seal the victory.
Apr 28, 2023
Bay Area bound
The 49ers selected Brown in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 87th overall.
ANALYSIS
The Penn State product started 26 games for the Nittany Lions over the last two years and racked up 10 interceptions in that span. His disappointing combine with a 4.65 40 hurt his draft stock, but he's an instinctive player who can play either safety spot.
Apr 28, 2023
Bay Area bound
The 49ers selected Brown in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 87th overall.
ANALYSIS
The Penn State product started 26 games for the Nittany Lions over the last two years and racked up 10 interceptions in that span. His disappointing combine with a 4.65 40 hurt his draft stock, but he's an instinctive player who can play either safety spot.
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