The San Francisco 49ers officially activated safety Malik Mustapha from the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform List. Mustapha was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but is now expected to make his season debut.
Mustapha has the reputation as a premier run defender, but that undersells how impressive he was in coverage as a rookie. Mustapha only allowed 39 yards in coverage all season. Mustapha got his hands on nearly as many passes on defense (3) as receptions he allowed (4). Regardless
of which safety comes off the field, the 49ers are getting back one of their best defensive players from a season ago.
The 49ers elevated edge rusher Trevis Gipson from the practice squad. To make room for Gipson, the Niners waived Robert Beal. That was the only transaction the team made ahead of Sunday.
So Jauan Jennings, Alfred Collins, Upton Stout, and Kalia Davis — all listed as questionable on the final injury report — are likely to suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With temperatures expected to be in the low 80s in Tampa Bay around game time, the 49ers will need depth to keep their already depleted defensive line fresh for four quarters.
