On Saturday, the San Francisco 49ers announced the following roster moves ahead of their game in Tampa against the Buccaneers:
- Activated S Malik Mustapha from the reserve/PUP (physically unable to perform) list
- Elevated DL Trevis Gipson (standard elevation)
- Waived DE Robert Beal, Jr.
Mustapha is back for his first game of the season after recovering from a knee injury he sustained in San Francisco's final game of the 2024 season. The second-year player is the 49ers' best safety, starting 12 games as a rookie. Mustapha had 72 tackles to go along with one interception and five passes defended. But he is best known for his physical style of play and will fit well into Robert Saleh's defense.
Gipson is being elevated for the second consecutive week. Because this is a standard elevation, Gipson will return to the practice squad after the game. In his first appearance, against the Los Angeles Rams, he recovered a fumble, making an immediate impact. Gipson is in his sixth NFL season, and in the previous five, he started 19 games. In his career, Gipson has six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 11 sacks. He also has 21 QB hits.
Beal, Jr. has bounced between the team's practice squad and active roster throughout his career. This season, Beal's only appearance in a game was in the 26-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, appearing mostly on special teams, but also playing some defense. Beal had a sack and a QB hit as a rookie in 2023, but has been unable to make much of an impact when he's played on defense..
Although they are the visiting team, the 49ers will wear their red home jerseys for the first time this season.