The 49ers have likely lost starting strong safety Talanoa Hufanga to a season ending ACL injury, per head coach Kyle Shanahan. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to formally confirm the injury that is suspected. The second half play below appears to when Hufanga was hurt.
Rookie Ji'Aiyr Brown stepped in for Hufanga and wound up making two critical plays that helped the 49ers secure the 27-14 victory over the Buccaneers including this fourth quarter interception in the end zone.
Brown also broke up a fourth down Hail Mary pass where he found himself matched up against Tampa Bay star wide receiver Mike Evans.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan along with 49ers players reacted to the bad news about Hufanga's injury and Brown's ability to step in and contribute when called upon down the stretch.
Brock Purdy had high praise for the rookie safety's ability to be a scout team player during the week at practice while remaining ready to step in should an injury occur.
Brown proved that he was in fact ready for his opportunity on Sunday.