Talanoa Hufanga, a San Francisco 49ers safety, will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.
According to Coach Kyle Shanahan, examinations on Monday reaffirmed the original diagnosis and revealed no
more major damage to the knee. Shanahan stated that Hufanga is likely to recuperate before the start of the
following season.
Hufanga emerged as a crucial member of San Francisco’s defense last season, earning All-Pro accolades. Prior to his
injury, he has three interceptions and 52 tackles this season.
Hufanga’s injury forces third-round rookie Ji’Ayir Brown into the Niners’ defensive lineup. Brown has only played 30
defensive snaps this season before excelling when given a larger role against the Buccaneers.
“You’re never going to go through a redshirt year,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “You never know when your opportunity will come. He was definitely completely prepared when the time came.”
Tampa Bay attempted to target Brown, but he rose to the occasion in his first major NFL challenge. He broke up a
fourth-down pass to Mike Evans in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter and then intercepted a ball in
the end zone on the following drive to help secure the victory.
“Every week, I’ve been planning for that day. “I had no idea when that day would come, but I just kept preparing
every day,” Brown said after the game. “We worked hard and spent additional time with the coach. When my number
was called today, I was lucky enough to walk out and complete the task.”
Brown concluded the game with four tackles and three passes defensed, demonstrating the type of play that the 49ers had witnessed in recent sessions.
“That’s one of the reasons we chose him,” Shanahan explained. “We knew we needed more depth there. He’s been
training as if he knew the moment would come. He has been locked in, which is incredibly impressive for a rookie. I
believe that is why he was prepared for his opportunity last night and made some key plays to help us win. I’m
delighted for him and his opportunity, but I’m terribly disappointed about Huf.”
