The 49ers are visiting Tampa Bay on Sunday to open the second half of their season.
It’ll also be the opening game of Christian McCaffrey’s season as he was activated from injured reserve Saturday after missing the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis in both legs.
Despite the bye week, the 49ers listed a number of noteworthy players as questionable: wide receivers Deebo Samuel (oblique, rib) and Jauan Jennings (hip), defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) and safety Malik Mustapha (calf). All four of those players are active Sunday. Bosa made news on Saturday when he was fined for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat as he crashed teammates’ postgame interviews two weekends ago. NFL rules prohibit wearing clothing on the field that supports political causes.
Mustapha’s status incentivized the 49ers to promote former starting safety Tashaun Gipson from the practice squad after he re-signed with the team this week.
The Niners face a Buccaneers attack that has been prolific in the passing game (253.4 yards per game, sixth in NFL) but will be missing two of Baker Mayfield’s top targets as Chris Godwin (dislocated ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) are both out.
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San Francisco’s secondary will be without cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is with family as he mourns the death of his young daughter.
The Niners enter Sunday tied with the Rams for second in the NFC West at 4-4. The Cardinals enter the week atop the divison at 5-4, while the Seahawks are a half-game behind the 49ers at 4-5.
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