49ers open safety Malik Mustapha's practice window

San Francisco is holding its first of four practices this week today at 12:50 p.m. PT. The team is preparing to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Mustapha suffered an ACL injury in the final game of the 2024 season but has steadily progressed in his recovery. While there was speculation he might return earlier than expected, the 49ers took a cautious approach, which led to him beginning the season on the PUP list.

"His recovery and how he is, is as good as it could be," head coach Kyle Shanahan said back in July. "Just the way he works, the way everything checks, it's amazing, but it's still an ACL, so you've still got to give it the time."

General manager John Lynch echoed that sentiment, adding, "He wants to be out there today, believes that he could be, but we have to kind of hold him back."

Mustapha emerged as a surprise standout during his rookie campaign in 2024. He appeared in 16 games with 12 starts, finishing with 72 tackles (two for loss), one interception, and a pass defended. His return could bolster San Francisco's secondary as the team seeks to maintain its lead in the competitive NFC West.