ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that 49ers S Malik Mustapha tore his right ACL in the team's season finale. ESPN's Nick Wagoner says, "There is no definitive timeline on Mustapha's return, but -- given how late in the year the injury occurred -- it's unlikely he will be ready at the start of the season." Wagoner added that the injury is "related" to the ACL tear he suffered in January 2022, while at Wake Forest.
More from Wagoner: "Although Mustapha departed the Arizona game with a knee injury and did not return, he was thought to be OK and in the locker room with the team the day after the game. Later that week, an MRI revealed that the graft that had been placed in the knee was torn."
Uh, the impact is pretty big for the coming season.
Mustapha suddenly goes from a second-year player on the ascent to a guy who will struggle to be ready by October. That takes him completely out of redraft consideration until and unless something changes.
The Mustapha situation likely means either Richie Grant or Jason Pinnock opening the season as starter in his place. Either guy could prove IDP relevant if he wins the job.
We'll see how this plays out. Honestly, I was excited about the near-term dynasty outlook on Mustapha coming out of the season.
But he didn't arrive as a high-level prospect. So there's a chance this hiccup alters his long-term outlook quite a bit.
Holding Mustapha will be fine in deep-ish IDP leagues. But don't hold him in high regard for now.
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