49ers open practice window for young safety

A fourth-round pick from Wake Forest last year, Mustapha emerged as a 12-game starter over 16 contests as a rookie. The 5-foot-10, 206-pounder added 72 tackles, five passes defensed, and an interception to serve as a bright spot during a disappointing season for the 49ers.

A rash of injuries helped lead to a 6-11 record last year for San Francisco, which saw Mustapha exit early in its season-ending loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Mustapha previously tore the ACL in his right knee in college, and the latest injury forced him to undergo offseason surgery to repair the issue. His recovery has gone well enough that he could debut as early as this Sunday for an intriguing showdown with the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite once again battling a slew of notable injuries this season (including to quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa, among others), the 49ers have joined the Buccaneers in starting 4-1. Their Robert Saleh-led defense, which is tied for eighth in the NFL in points per game allowed and 15th in yardage, has utilized safeties Marques Sigle and Jason Pinnock on 100% of snaps in Mustapha’s absence. Meanwhile, Ji’Ayir Brown has seen action on just over 15% of snaps. Any or all of those three could lose playing time when Mustapha rejoins the lineup.