It turns out the 49ers’ defense was decimated more than they let on, as it’s been revealed that safety Malik Mustapha is recovering from his second anterior cruciate ligament repair in three years.

San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha is not expected to be available at the start of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Mustapha suffered the injury after he was cleated in the knee during the second quarter of the 49ers' 47-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18 of the 2024 season.

Mustapha is progressing well through his rehab process at the 49ers’ team facility, but he is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. He returned from his January 2022 injury to play 10 games in the 2023 college football season, indicating that he should have a chance at a midseason return to the field this fall.