The 49ers suffered a significant loss to their defense when safety Talanoa Hufanga was sidelined with a torn ACL. General Manager John Lynch discussed Hufanga’s impact on the defense during an interview on KNBR’s Murph and Mac show. Lynch praised Hufanga’s energy, passion, playmaking ability, and his role in firing up the stadium and the other players on the team.
In Hufanga’s absence, rookie Ji’Ayir Brown stepped in and intercepted Baker Mayfield. The 49ers had traded up to draft Brown in the third round of this year’s draft. Lynch commended Brown’s football skills and ability to make plays, as well as the coaching staff for their work in developing him. Brown has been a significant contributor on special teams, and he will have his first opportunity to start when the 49ers face the Seahawks on Thanksgiving.