The San Francisco 49ers defensive back, Ji’Ayir Brown, took over as the starting safety during the 2024 season. He recorded 77 tackles, three TFLs, one interception, and six pass deflections, allowing a 57.1% completion percentage, 304 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an 80.7 passer rating in 13 starts. He would lose the starting job later in the year once Talanoa Hufanga returned from injury.
Despite appearing in every game, he battled a lower leg injury late in the season.
The San Francisco 49ers suffered an injury in Week 16
San Francisco 49ers, Ji'Ayir Brown
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ji’Ayir Brown suffered an ankle injury in Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins, limiting him to a career-low four defensive snaps. The injury didn’t prevent him from playing in the 49ers’ final two regular-season games against the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals. Brown played 17 snaps against the Lions and 46 against the Cardinals.
He recently underwent an ankle procedure.
San Francisco 49ers starter will miss some time
San Francisco 49ers, Ji'Ayir Brown
Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown (27) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
During Thursday’s press conference, via David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone, Kyle Shanahan provided an injury update on Ji’Ayir Brown. Shanahan said that he will miss the rest of the spring workouts, including OTAs and mandatory minicamp, as he continues to rehab from the procedure. He expects Brown to be ready for the start of training camp.
“Ji’Ayir got something done to his ankle,” Shanahan said. “He had a procedure done to his ankle, so he won’t be ready until training camp.”
He isn’t the only safety injured
San Francisco 49ers, Malik Mustapha
Aug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (43) watches play against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Their other starting safety, Malik Mustapha, has not participated in spring workouts because of last season’s injury. Like Brown, Mustapha suffered a significant injury later in the year, but his injury occurred in Week 18 and was an ACL tear. Since the injury occurred later in the year, he could miss the first half of the 2025 season.
Also Read: “A Midseason Return More Likely”: San Francisco 49ers Starter Gets Brutal Injury Update
Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant will likely replace both starters during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, while Marques Sigle will also see a significant role with the second-team defense. Sigle has an opportunity to surpass either one in the starting lineup.
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