The San Francisco 49ers secured a big win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, but it came at a cost.
All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee, as confirmed by head coach Kyle Shanahan in a press conference. Fortunately, there is no other structural damage to Hufanga’s knee, but the injury is a significant setback for the formidable San Francisco defense.
The injury occurred while Hufanga was in pass coverage, planting his right leg. This loss is particularly impactful as Hufanga, 23, had solidified a full-time starting position with the 49ers in his second NFL season and earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors for his exceptional performances.
The rookie backup, Ji’Ayir Brown, was called upon to fill Hufanga’s spot and immediately made an impact by intercepting Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and breaking up a crucial fourth-down pass, earning praise from coach Shanahan for his remarkable performance.
Brown is now expected to step into a starting role for the upcoming important games against the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles on the 49ers’ schedule.
