According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, third-year safety Ji'Ayir Brown is likely to start alongside rookie Marques Sigle, giving the 49ers a new-look safety duo for their Week 6 matchup.
The adjustment means veteran safety Jason Pinnock, who started the first five games of the season, will likely see his role reduced. However, Maiocco notes, "Pinnock still could see action in certain defensive packages."
The move comes as San Francisco gradually works second-year safety Malik Mustapha back into the rotation. Mustapha, who suffered an ACL injury in the final game of the 2024 season, had his practice window opened last week and was officially activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Saturday. He is active for Sunday's game.
Mustapha started 12 games as a rookie in 2024 and emerged as one of the team's biggest surprise contributors, exhibiting energy and physical play while providing a boost to the defense.
The 49ers enter Week 6 against the Buccaneers still searching for their first interception of the season, joining the New York Jets as the only NFL teams yet to record a pick.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers training camp: 5 overlooked players who could shape the 2026 season
When training camp opens for rookies and veterans alike on July 25, there will be the normal focus on three groups: rookies, new arrivals via trade or free agency, and players returning from injury. Everyone loves tight end George Kittle, and he is coming off an Achilles tear... -
Former 49ers star says 'rest in peace' to Brandon Aiyuk's NFL career
Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy lands surprising spot in 2026 fantasy football rankings
Where does San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy rank among the NFL's top fantasy football quarterbacks entering the 2026 season? NFL Media's Dan Parr released his fantasy football quarterback rankings for NFL.com, organizing the league's top signal-callers into draft... -
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL...