Mustapha (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Rams, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
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.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Nursing chest injury
Rotowire
Mustapha (chest) was estimated as a limited practice participant on Monday's injury report, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
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.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Records nine tackles in loss
Rotowire
Mustapha finished with nine tackles (three solo), including a tackle for a loss, in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Packers.
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.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Seven tackles vs. Tampa Bay
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Mustapha finished Sunday's 23-20 win over the Buccaneers with seven tackles (two solo).
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).
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Set to suit up in Week 10
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Mustapha (calf) is not among San Francisco's inactives for Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
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 Sunday by the absence of Charvarius Ward (personal). Mustapha has tallied 17 tackles over his past two games.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Dealing with calf issue
Rotowire
Mustapha was a limited participant in practice Thursday due to a calf injury.
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.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Cleared for Sunday
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Mustapha (ankle) is not on the injury report for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Mustapha suffered a low-ankle sprain in a Week 6 Thursday night win over 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 (seven solo) and three passes defended, including one interception, so far this season.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Logs limited practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Mustapha (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
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.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Ruled out
Rotowire
Mustapha (ankle) will not return to Thursday's game against the Seahawks, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
The safety made two tackles, including one for a loss, and intercepted a pass before exiting. George Odum should finish out the game in Mustapha's stead at safety Thursday.
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49ers' Malik Mustapha: Questionable to return Thursday
Rotowire
Mustapha (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Seahawks, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
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. George Odum is the next man up at safety.
