49ers safety Malik Mustapha likely out until midseason with surprising ACL tear

SANTA CLARA — It turns out the 49ers’ defense was decimated more than they let on, as it’s been revealed that safety Malik Mustapha is recovering from his second anterior cruciate ligament repair in three years.

Mustapha’s ACL tear was confirmed in an MRI exam days after he got hurt in the 49ers’ Jan. 6 season finale, although the team did not disclose it publicly then or throughout this offseason. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported it first after Saturday’s draft concluded, and a team spokesman confirmed Mustapha’s plight.