Tashaun Gipson did not practice for the 49ers on Monday, but San Francisco's starting free safety made sure nobody was under any impression he will miss the Week 1 clash with the Steelers. 

Gipson's injury was not disclosed, but the man who led the 49ers with five interceptions in 2022 emphasized he is not dealing with anything that will keep him out of the season opener in Pittsburgh.

Third-round rookie Ji'Ayir Brown would start if Gipson misses out. Brown has impressed during the preseason and will eventually become the 49ers' long-term starter at free safety. However, he will seemingly not be stepping in for Gipson just yet.

Speaking to reporters, Gipson, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, said he has only been dealing with "nicks and bruises" and will "absolutely" feature in the opener.

Just out of #49ers locker room. Some notes:

– S Tashaun Gipson says he's "absolutely" going to play on Sunday. Has been dealing with some "nicks and bruises." Gipson says he will practice this week, 100%.

– LB Dre Greenlaw had been dealing with hamstring issue but feels good.

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 4, 2023

Per Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle, Gipson said: “Nothing would stop me from playing and being out there with my guys."

The 49ers can afford to be encouraged by what they saw from Brown in the preseason, the former Penn State star looking right at home starting at preseason during the exhibition schedule as Gipson sat out.

But a defense that is already adapting to significant change in playing under a new coordinator in Steve Wilks may not want the additional challenge of fielding a rookie starter right off the bat.

Brown should still see the field regularly, with three-safety looks a distinct possibility in 2023 for the Niners, who may also consistently look to use his versatility in being able to cover from the slot and make an impact as an additional blitzer from the secondary.

However, heading into a very difficult opener on the road, the Niners will be happy to have the experience of Gipson on the field. Gipson and Talanoa Hufanga formed a dynamic safety partnership last season and displayed an excellent understanding throughout the 2022 campaign.

In a potential defensive struggle with the Steelers, the playmaking ability Gipson and Hufanga give the 49ers from safety could be critical in deciding the final outcome. This time last year, nobody had Gipson emerging as a key player for the 49er defense, now San Francisco should be buoyed by his apparently imminent return.

George Kittle unable to meet Kyle Shanahan’s timeline for return

He was not on the field as the 49ers returned to practice.

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