Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

49ers defense excited to have 'human bullet' back at practice

Originally posted on 49ers Webzone | By David Bonilla | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 7:01 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers officially opened the practice window for safety Malik Mustapha on Monday, and his teammates are thrilled to see the second-year defender back on the field.

"A real bullet. I call him—he's like our human bullet out there," cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said after practice. "There's no fear, a relentless player. I can't wait to have him back. I'm happy to have him back, and I'm happy he's ready to go."

"He's our human bullet."
Deommodore Lenoir is excited to get Malik Mustapha back. #49ers pic.twitter.com/qo8NWWMbq0
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) October 6, 2025

"Alhamdulillah," Mustapha shared via social media. "Truly thankful to step back on the practice field today. Nothing but gratitude for the journey and the people who supported me along the way."

Truly thankful to step back on the practice field today. Nothing but gratitude for the journey and the people who supported me along the way. AGNB?? #FTTB pic.twitter.com/IscV5ZrLpe— Malik Mustapha ???????? (@_malikmustapha) October 6, 2025

Mustapha impressed as a rookie in 2024, appearing in 16 games with 12 starts. He finished the year with 72 tackles (two for loss), one interception, and five passes defensed. Unfortunately, in the final game, he sustained a knee injury related to an ACL tear he suffered in college and required surgery.

"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," head coach Kyle Shanahan said in July.

The young safety began 2025 on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but now the 49ers have 21 days to decide whether to activate him. If he proves healthy, Mustapha could provide a major boost to San Francisco's secondary as the team looks to maintain its lead atop the NFC West.

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: