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.

According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, safety Malik Mustapha sustained an ACL injury in the 49ers’ season-ending loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He’s expected to miss the start of the season with a projected midseason return. Wagoner reported a graft from a prior ACL injury was damaged and needed a repair.