49ers reuniting with one-time Pro Bowler

The 49ers considered a Tashaun Gipson reunion this offseason but stood down, and the veteran safety’s ensuing suspension put his career in limbo. Now that the Jaguars have moved on, however, the Niners are back in.

Gipson is joining San Francisco’s practice squad, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Released on Monday, Gipson found a familiar landing spot. The 13th-year defender spent the past two seasons with the 49ers, and he will return to the Bay Area to provide some insurance.

Now 34, Gipson has not played since his previous 49ers stint ended. The Jags added him in August, shortly after word of the PED suspension surfaced. Jacksonville cut Gipson, who had played three seasons with the club (2016-18), rather than move him onto its 53-man roster. Gipson now has a path back to the 49ers’ active unit.

Talanoa Hufanga remains on IR but is in play to return from his latest injury — a wrist issue — this season. Although, it is not a lock that occurs. Gipson started alongside Hufanga for two seasons, impressing in 2022 by intercepting five passes for DeMeco Ryans‘ unit. Gipson started all 33 regular-season games he played from 2022-23, providing the 49ers with stability.

The team has used 2023 third-round pick Ji’Ayir Brown and rookie Malik Mustapha as its starting safeties as of late, with Hufanga running into the wrist trouble not long after the 49ers activated him from the PUP list. The 2022 All-Pro was not available for the team’s stretch run last season, suffering an ACL tear. With Hufanga’s return timeline uncertain, the 49ers will add a player with their scheme. San Francisco now houses significant experience at safety on its taxi squad, having Adrian Amos there as well.

San Francisco cut Anders Carlson from its P-squad to make room, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. Carlson kicked in two games for the defending NFC champions this season, being one of the team’s Jake Moody fill-in options. As Moody moves closer to returning, the 49ers cutting Carlson brings a good sign the 2023 third-round pick will be ready to return following the team’s recent bye.