Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Monday that tests confirmed the safety suffered a torn ACL in his right knee.
Talanoa Hufanga's season with the San Francisco 49ers has ended abruptly after he suffered a torn ACL to his right knee during the win over Tampa Bay yesterday. His injury occurred in the third quarter, and though he initially walked off the field on his own, he ultimately had to be carted off to the locker room.
Rookie Ji'Ayir Brown, who has spent most of this season on special teams, replaced Hufanga, pulling in his first career interception. "I think he did a hell of a job," Shanahan said of Brown, "The pick was huge."
Hufanga was having a good season, having previously earned both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors and ranked 78th on the NFL Network's top 100 players list for 2023. Now, with Hufanga sidelined, Brown has a prime opportunity to showcase his talent for a more significant role.
The NFC West leading 49ers (7-3) are gearing up for the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, November 23rd, one of three Thanksgiving Day games scheduled. This will be a critical test for Brown as he assumes a larger responsibility in the team's defensive lineup in the wake of Hufanga's injury.