The San Francisco 49ers will likely be without one of their key starters from the previous two seasons following a punishment announced by the NFL on Tuesday afternoon.
A key starter from the 2023 San Francisco 49ers faces suspension
Per the league’s transaction wire, safety Tashaun Gipson is set to face a six-game suspension in the 2024 season. Per the league’s statement, Gipson can participate in training camp but will be suspended as soon as a team has to make their final roster cuts before the regular season:
Free Agent Tashaun Gipson, DB, Wyoming, has been suspended by the Commissioner for the first six games of the 2024 season. He is eligible to sign and participate in all preseason activities, including games; his suspension will take effect as of the roster reduction to 53 players.
Gipson violated a league policy
Per Adam Schefter with ESPN, Gipson was suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Gipson had been a trusted player for the 49ers since he signed with the team in 2022:
Signed for extra depth just before the 2022 season, Gipson reenergized his career with the 49ers, quickly becoming the starter at free safety. He was brought back on a one-year, $2.9 million deal.
In two seasons with San Francisco, Gipson, who turns 34 in August, became a trusted locker room leader for the other young defensive backs and a stalwart on the back end of the defense.
Gipson had considered retirement before the 2023 season but returned to help the 49ers reach the Super Bowl. He started in 16 regular-season games in 2023 and recorded 60 tackles, one interception, and three tackles for loss. He played in 17 regular-season games for the 49ers in 2022, recording 61 tackles and five interceptions.
Gipson showed he had the talent to get another chance to play as a starter in the league. Per Pro Football Focus, Gipson earned a 73.6 overall grade for the 2023 season.
There was a slight possibility the 49ers would bring Gipson back before training camp. The veteran didn’t need to be on the roster for OTAs, and a return in late July would have made sense.
Gipson is not expected to return to the 49ers this season
Per Marc Adams with 49ers Webzone, Gipson could have been a Plan B option for the 49ers if Talanoa Hufanga couldn’t go in in the early part of the regular season, but the six-game suspension closes that possibility:
While the suspension doesn’t end Gipson’s career, it certainly does not help his chances of returning in 2024. The 49ers likely had already moved on from Gipson, but he could have been an option if Talanoa Hufanga, who is returning from a torn ACL, isn’t ready to go early in the season. Gipson’s suspension almost guarantees he won’t be back with the team.
Should he choose not to retire, Gipson will get looks during the regular season when the injury bug starts hitting teams. If he’s patient, he’ll have an opportunity to sign with another team looking to make a Super Bowl run. If the 49ers still have injuries at safety, maybe he’ll return to San Francisco this winter.
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!
