Malik Mustapha Praises 49ers' Cautious Rehab After Serious Knee Injury

San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha lauded the team's cautious rehabilitation approach following a serious knee injury suffered during his rookie season, which he says protected him from his own eagerness to return. After missing the first five games, Mustapha's workload has steadily increased, playing 21 snaps in Week 6, 45 in Week 7, and 80 in Week 8. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this gradual ramp-up was intentional to ensure a safe return without re-injury risk. Mustapha, who found the rehab limitations frustrating, is now fully cleared and preparing to face dynamic Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, emphasizing strong defensive play.