49ers news: Talanoa Hufanga knee injury, Seahawks blow it and more
At least the Seahawks lost, though.
By Peter Panacy
49ers news: Talanoa Hufanga likely suffered torn ACL, which would end his season
In the third quarter, All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga attempted to make an open-field tackle on Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, except White juked Hufanga on the missed tackle.
Even worse, Hufanga's right knee appeared to buckle.
There was no major on-field incident immediately thereafter to suggest Hufanga suffered a serious injury. But he was seen moving into the blue medical tent and was subsequently carted off the field shortly afterward. The 49ers ruled him out for the remainder of the contest not long after.
Following the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that the injury is "most likely it's ACL but can't confirm it."
However, the accuracy of tests to diagnose a torn ACL on the field tends to be pretty accurate, although further examinations will determine the severity.
Hufanga was replaced by rookie defensive back Ji'Ayir Brown, who struggled early but came up big later in the game with a clutch interception in the end zone.
It's likely that Brown will be called upon to start for the rest of the year, if indeed Hufanga tore his ACL.