Malik Mustapha Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the 49ers vs Browns game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 18, 2025
Snags pick in win
Mustapha logged four tackles (one solo) and an interception during San Francisco's win over the Cardinals on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha managed to force his first turnover of the season when he picked off Jacoby Brissett late in the second quarter of the victory. The 23-year-old was sidelined for the first five weeks of the season with a knee injury but has gotten off to a strong start since making his return, recording 36 tackles (18 solo) and an interception across six outings.
Nov 11, 2025
Posts eight stops in Week 10 loss
Mustapha notched eight tackles (four solo) in Sunday's loss to the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha tied for third among 49ers defenders in tackles in defeat. The second-year safety missed the first five weeks of the season, but since his return he's tallied 32 tackles across five contests while logging 100 percent of San Francisco's defenders each of the past three weeks.
Oct 28, 2025
Season-high stops in Week 8 loss
Mustapha made 12 tackles (six solo) during Sunday's loss to the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha played a season-high 100 percent of defensive snaps in Week 8, after having made his debut Week 6 then having his workload jump Week 7. The second-year pro appears to have solidified himself as an every-down player as the 49ers prepare for a Week 9 road matchup against the Giants. That development puts him firmly on the fantasy radar in IDP formats.
Oct 21, 2025
Bumps up workload in Week 7
Mustapha tallied six tackles (three solo) Sunday in a 20-10 win over the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
After beginning the campaign on IR, Mustapha returned in Week 6 and logged a 38 percent snap share. The second-year safety's workload jumped significantly in Week 7, as Mustapha was on the field for 69 percent of the 49ers' defensive snaps. David Lombardi of SFStandard.com suggests that Mustapha will ultimately be a regular starter while Sigle, Pinnock and Ji'Ayir Brown -- who played every defensive snap Sunday -- contend for the No. 2 spot.
Oct 12, 2025
Cleared to make 2025 debut
Mustapha (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha is ready to make his 2025 debut after fully recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in January. With how well rookie fifth-rounder Marques Sigle has been playing this season, Mustapha may work in a rotational role in the secondary and on special teams in his return.
Oct 11, 2025
Activated off IR
The 49ers activated Mustapha (knee) off injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha is closer to making his return after recovering from a torn ACL. While he remains questionable for Sunday's game versus Tampa Bay, the 23-year-old should serve as a depth defensive back and can also contribute on special teams if he ends up playing.
Oct 10, 2025
Completes week of full practice
Mustapha (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha is working his way back from a torn ACL and had his practice window opened Monday. He practiced in full the entire week, so he should have a strong chance to make his 2025 debut against Tampa Bay.
Oct 8, 2025
Logs full session
Mustapha (knee) practiced fully Wednesday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustpaha is recovering from a torn ACL and had his practice window opened Monday. He has three weeks to be activated from injured reserve, so while his full practice participation is a positive sign, it's not indicative that Mustapha will be ready for his season debut in Week 6 against Tampa Bay.
Oct 6, 2025
Practice window opened
The 49ers opened Mustapha's (knee) 21-day practice window to return from the reserve/PUP list.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha is ready to take the next step in his recovery from a knee injury that he suffered in January, which caused him to open the 2025 regular season on the PUP list. Mustapha will return to practice this week and could be reinstated from the PUP list ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, though that will depend on his participation level in practice. The 2024 fourth-rounder logged 72 tackles (32 solo) and five pass defenses (including one interception) across 16 regular-season games during his rookie season.
Oct 3, 2025
Could return to practice next week
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that the 49ers will aim to open Mustapha's (knee) 21-day practice window Monday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha missed all of training camp and opened the regular season on the reserve/PUP list due to a knee injury that he suffered in Week 17 of the 2024 season. There's optimism that the second-year safety could be designated to return to practice Monday to ramp up his conditioning, though he would be a long shot to play in the 49ers' Week 6 road clash against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 12. Mustapha's return would likely lead to a decreased role in the secondary for Jason Pinnock or rookie fifth-rounder Marques Sigle.
Sep 29, 2025
Return to practice close?
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that the 49ers are hopeful Mustapha (knee) can practice following the team's Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The second-year pro from Wake Forest has been sidelined all season after being placed on the 49ers' reserve/PUP list in late August due to a knee injury, but Shanahan's comments Monday suggest he may return to practice soon. Mustapha had a great rookie campaign for San Francisco, recording 72 total tackles and five passes defended, including one interception, across 16 regular-season games. He's expected to assume the team's top free safety spot once he returns from injury.
Aug 26, 2025
Lands on PUP list
Mustapha (knee) was placed on the reserve/PUP list Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha excelled with the 49ers as a fourth-round rookie in 2024, as he generated 72 tackles (32 solo), five pass breakups and an interception across 16 games (12 starts). He underwent surgery following the season to repair a torn graft in his knee that was related to the torn ACL he suffered in 2022 at Wake Forest. Mustapha will miss the at least the first four games of the season, and the 49ers brought in Jason Pinnock (heel) from the Giants to serve as the starting free safety in the meantime. Mustapha will have an opportunity to reclaim the starting gig upon return.
Jul 18, 2025
On PUP to begin camp
Mustapha (knee) was placed on the active/PUP list by the 49ers on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 17 of the 2024 season. He could miss the start of the new campaign as a result, though that hasn't been determined yet, as he can be activated from the active/PUP list at any point during the preseason. Mustapha figures to occupy a starting safety role when he is able to get back on the field.
Apr 27, 2025
May miss start of season
Mustapha may miss the beginning of the 2025 season due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 17 last year, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha underwent surgery to repair a torn graft in his knee after he was cleated in the final regular-season game of his rookie campaign. The Wake Forest product tore his ACL back in 2022, and these two injuries were related. Mustapha started 12 games as a rookie and posted 72 tackles (32 solo), five pass breakups and an interception. The 49ers are hoping for a midseason return, at which point he'll look to reclaim the starting role. In the meantime, Richie Grant and Jason Pinnock are candidates to start at strong safety.
Jan 17, 2025
Gets lots of run as rookie
Mustapha (knee) finished his rookie season with 72 tackles (32 solo) and one interception across 16 games with the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha spent most of his rookie campaign filling in for injured starting safety Talanoa Hufanga, who managed to suit up for just seven games after returning from a serious knee injury. The 23-year-old Mustapha suffered a knee injury of his own in the 49ers' final game of the season, but its unclear if it will limit his availability come training camp. Mustapha figures to have an opportunity to compete for the position he filled in for so admirably as a rookie in 2025.
Jan 5, 2025
Done for day
Mustapha (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's contest versus the Cardinals, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha suffered a knee injury in the first half, which will now officially bring his day to a close. The safety recorded a solo tackle before departing the game and in his absence, Ji'Ayir Brown and Tashaun Gipson will continue to operate in a more significant roles against Arizona.
Jan 5, 2025
Exits Week 18 game with knee issue
Mustapha (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's clash against the Cardinals, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha was hurt in the first half and was deemed questionable to return shortly before halftime. The rookie safety has become a key part of San Francisco's secondary, starting 12 of the past 13 games for which he's been active. Ji'Ayir Brown and Tashaun Gipson will likely be asked to log more defensive snaps while Mustapha remains sidelined.
Dec 20, 2024
Past chest injury
Mustapha (chest) has no injury designation ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha upgraded to full practice Friday after opening the week with consecutive limited sessions, so it appears he's moved past his chest injury in time to suit up in Week 16. With 2023 First-Team All-Pro Talanoa Hufanga back from injury, Mustapha is likely to serve as the 49ers' top reserve safety Sunday.
Dec 18, 2024
Still nursing chest injury
Mustapha (chest) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha was unable to play against the Rams this past Thursday due to a chest injury. His limited participation in Wednesday's practice indicates that he is progressing through his recovery, and he'll have two more chances to increase his activity ahead of Sunday's game against Miami.
Dec 11, 2024
Ruled out for Thursday
Mustapha (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Rams, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha likely sustained a chest injury in the 49ers' blowout win over the Bears in Week 14, and after closing the week of practice with a DNP on Wednesday, he'll be sidelined for Thursday night's divisional matchup. Expect Talanoa Hufanga, who just returned from injured reserve last week, to start opposite Ji'Ayir Brown as part of San Francisco's top safety duo in Week 15.
Dec 9, 2024
Nursing chest injury
Mustapha (chest) was estimated as a limited practice participant on Monday's injury report, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Even though Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) returned from injured reserve before Sunday's game against the Bears, Mustapha still got the start at strong safety and finished with five tackles (two solo) while playing 45 defensive snaps in the 38-13 win. However, Mustapha appears to have picked up a chest injury in the process, which earned him a limited tag on Monday's estimation. His practice participation over the next two days will determine his availability for Thursday's NFC West clash against the Rams.
Nov 25, 2024
Records nine tackles in loss
Mustapha finished with nine tackles (three solo), including a tackle for a loss, in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
The rookie safety also played on every defensive snap for the fourth game in a row. Mustapha has 52 tackles (21 solo) and four pass breakups, including an interception, in 2024.
Nov 12, 2024
Seven tackles vs. Tampa Bay
Mustapha finished Sunday's 23-20 win over the Buccaneers with seven tackles (two solo).
ANALYSIS
Mustapha was questionable to play Sunday due to a calf issue that limited him in practice. However, that didn't appear to bother the rookie fourth-round pick as he played every single defensive snap for the third time this season and tied De'Vondre Campbell and Deommodore Lenoir for second-most tackles behind Fred Warner (nine). Through the first nine games of the regular season, Mustapha has logged 37 tackles (15 solo) and four pass defenses (including one interception).
Nov 10, 2024
Set to suit up in Week 10
Mustapha (calf) is not among San Francisco's inactives for Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
A calf issue resulted in Mustapha being limited in practice both Thursday and Friday, but he will be able to take the field Sunday against Tampa Bay. That's a positive development for the 49ers, whose secondary will be impacted by the absence Sunday of Charvarius Ward (personal). Mustapha has tallied 17 tackles over his past two games.
Nov 8, 2024
Questionable for Week 10
Mustapha (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha's availability for Week 10 is in question after popping up on the 49ers' injury report Thursday as a limited participant due to a calf issue. The rookie safety has been an integral part of San Francisco's defense through eight games, recording 30 total tackles and four passes defended, including one interception. If he can't play Sunday, expect George Odum to start alongside Ji'Ayir Brown as part of the 49ers' top safety duo.
Nov 7, 2024
Dealing with calf issue
Mustapha was a limited participant in practice Thursday due to a calf injury.
ANALYSIS
This is the first word of a calf issue for Mustapha, who practiced in full during the 49ers' first session of the week Wednesday. The rookie has been a key part of San Francisco's secondary this season, tallying 30 tackles (13 solo) and an interception through eight contests. Mustapha played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps in Week 8 against Dallas prior to the 49ers' Week 9 bye, and if he's not able to suit up Sunday against Tampa Bay, George Odum or Tashaun Gipson -- the latter of whom was signed to the practice squad Tuesday -- could be called upon to start.
Oct 21, 2024
Niners' leading tackler in loss
Mustapha recorded 12 tackles (six solo) during Sunday's 28-18 loss versus the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha logged a career-high 67 defensive snaps in Week 7, and he had by far his most productive game as a pro thus far. He should continue to have a significant role in San Francisco's defense at least until Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) is able to return from injured reserve.
Oct 18, 2024
Cleared for Sunday
Mustapha (ankle) is not among the injury report for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha suffered a low-ankle sprain last Thursday against Seattle and wasn't able to return after the injury, but he should be back on the field as San Francisco takes on the Chiefs at home. The starting safety has 13 tackles (7.0 solo) and three passes defended, including one interception so far this season.
Oct 16, 2024
Logs limited practice Wednesday
Mustapha (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha suffered a low-ankle sprain last Thursday against Seattle and wasn't able to return after the injury. The extended time between that contest and the beginning of the Week 7 practice slate may have aided in the safety being able to get back on the practice field Wednesday, though he was a limited participant. Mustapha seems to have a chance of suiting up Sunday versus Kansas City, but George Odum would likely take over in a starting role if Mustapha can't play.
Oct 14, 2024
Works on side Monday
Mustapha (ankle) was spotted working off to the side of 49ers' practice Monday, David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha was considered day-to-day after exiting San Francisco's Week 6 win over the Seahawks with a low ankle sprain. His participation later in the week will provide the best indication on whether the rookie safety can return for the 49ers' Week 7 matchup against the Chiefs.
Oct 11, 2024
Day-to-day with ankle sprain
Mustapha is day-to-day with a low ankle sprain that he suffered in Thursday's matchup against the Seahawks, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Mustapha exited earlier in San Francisco's eventual victory over the Seahawks but not before logging two tackles and an interception. Given that the 49ers played on Thursday, the 5-foot-10 safety will have a longer stretch to recover if he's hoping to play next Sunday against the Chiefs.
Oct 10, 2024
Ruled out
Mustapha (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against the Seahawks, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
The safety made two tackles, including one for a loss, and intercepted a pass before exiting. George Odum is the next man up.
Oct 10, 2024
Questionable to return Thursday
Mustapha (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Seahawks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The safety recorded two tackles, including one for a loss, and an interception before exiting. Mustapha played on more than 80 percent of the defensive snaps in each of the 49ers' previous two games. San Francisco's two starting safeties, George Odum and Ji'Ayir Brown, are still healthy.
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