The 49ers lost one of their defensive starters during their game Sunday against the Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium.
Safety Talanoa Hufanga has been ruled out with a knee injury.
The All-Pro safety was injured attempting an open-field tackle of Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White midway through the third quarter as the 49ers led 20-7.
White caught a pass from Baker Mayfield in the right flat, then cut to the outside to avoid an oncoming Hufanga, who tried to stop and change direction. The play ended up being an 11-yard completion. Rookie third-rounder Ji’Ayir Brown, the 49ers’ top draft pick last offseason, replaced Hufanga.
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Hufanga went into the blue medical tent on the 49ers’ sideline, then climbed onto the medical cart and was driven to the locker room.
The 49ers’ lead was cut to 27-14, with 14:16 remaining, as White scored on 1-yard run, after Brown surrendered a 41-yard catch to Rakim Jarrett.
The third-year safety has been a key contributor for the 49ers in a safety pairing with veteran Tashaun Gipson Sr. over the last two seasons. He was named an All-Pro last season after breaking out with four interceptions and a number of big hits. In nine games this season, he has three interceptions and three passes defended, along with 51 tackles (38 solo).
This is a developing story — we will update with more information when it becomes available.
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
