Ji’Ayir Brown makes most of opportunity in 49ers’ win over Buccaneers

SANTA CLARA — In the 49ers' 24-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, the club likely lost safety Talanoa Hufanga for the season due to a knee injury. But his efforts to help ready rookie Ji'Ayir Brown paid off, as the 23-year-old thanked Hufanga and veteran safety Tashaun Gipson after playing significant snaps in Hufanga's absence. "Every step of the way," Brown said. "I've been here since Day 1 with those guys. Watching them, how they prepare and watch film. Our [defensive backs] coach [Daniel Bullocks] too, he's a hell of a guy. "The whole secondary has been great role models, great leaders for me helping me through this transition to the NFL and glad I could go out there and help them today." The third-round pick did not have time to hesitate when his number was called Sunday. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield immediately targeted Brown when he entered the game late in the third quarter with a pass to Mike Evans for six yards. Three plays later, Rakim Jarrett beat Brown in coverage for a gain of 41 yards. That drive ended in a touchdown, but on the following Buccaneers possession, Brown left his mark. In a desperate fourth-and-4 situation,...