49ers' Ji'Ayir Brown: Finishes rookie season as starter
Rotowire
Brown recorded 35 tackles (22 solo) with two interceptions over 15 games with San Francisco in 2023.
The third round pick started the season backing up Talanoa Hufanga while being mixed in on certain defensive packages. A combination of strong play and an injury to Hufanga afforded Brown the opportunity to thrive as the starting strong safety for a dominant 49ers defense in the second half of the season. Starting free safety Tashaun Gipson will be an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason, so Brown has a path to a starting job as a sophomore if the veteran signs with another club.
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49ers' Ji'Ayir Brown: Won't play Sunday
Rotowire
Brown (foot) is out for Sunday's game against the Rams, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
The third-round rookie will miss his second straight game. Brown took over starting duties for the Niners after Talanoa Hufanga suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 11. Brown will have the upcoming bye week to try and get ready for the Niners' divisional round playoff date.
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49ers' Ji'Ayir Brown: Unavailable Wednesday
Rotowire
Brown (knee) did not participate at the 49ers' practice Wednesday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Brown missed the team's Week 17 win over the Commanders with a knee injury, which has continued to keep him on the sidelines to open the week. With the 49ers already locked into the top seed in the NFC for the postseason, it's possible that the team opts to keep Brown off the field again in Week 18. More information on the safety's status will come following Thursday's second practice session of the week.
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49ers' Ji'Ayir Brown: Bay Area bound
Rotowire
The 49ers selected Brown in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 87th overall.
The Penn State product started 26 games for the Nittany Lions over the last two years and racked up 10 interceptions in that span. His disappointing combine with a 4.65 40 hurt his draft stock, but he's an instinctive player who can play either safety spot.
