49ers Say Defensive End Ziggy Ansah Tore Bicep, Will Require Season-Ending Surgery

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that former BYU defensive end Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah will miss the remainder of the 2020 NFL season with a torn bicep that will require surgery.

Ansah suffered an arm injury during the Niners’ 25-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 4.

Following the game, Shanahan told reporters that the team thought Ansah would miss the rest of the season because of the injury.

“That’s what it sounded like,” Shanahan said after the loss. “Everything that I’ve heard in there sounds like that’s gonna happen so pretty sure we’ll find that out — confirm that tomorrow but that’s what it sounded like.”

On Monday, October 5, Ansah had an MRI to determine the severity of his injury and the course of treatment.

Shanahan confirmed the injury was season-ending following Ansah’s MRI.

#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said DE Ziggy Ansah did indeed tear his biceps and will miss the rest of the season. CB K’Waun Williams has a knee sprain and is likely headed to short-term IR.

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 5, 2020

San Francisco recently signed the former BYU defensive end after the team’s defensive front was down multiple players due to early season injuries.

The game against the Eagles was Ansah’s second contest as a member of the Niners.

Ziggy Ansah’s NFL Career

Following a three-year career at BYU, the Detroit Lions selected Ansah with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Ansah went on to play for the Lions from 2013-2018. During his time in Detroit, Ansah earned a selection to the Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2015.

After an injury-riddled 2018 season, the Lions moved on from the defensive end. In May 2019, Ansah signed a one-year deal with the Seahawks. He helped Seattle reach the postseason in his only season with the team.

Ansah signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in September, prior to week three of the 2020 season.

During his NFL career, Ansah has recorded 236 total tackles, 174 solo tackles, 50.5 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, 118 quarterback hits, 12 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.

He’s appeared in 93 games and 3 playoff games.

Ziggy Ansah’s BYU Career

Prior to his rookie year with the Lions, Ansah had a three-year college career from 2010-12 at BYU.

The Accra, Ghana native joined the Cougars’ football team as a sophomore. He’d previously tried out and was unsuccessful in making BYU’s men’s basketball team. He later joined the Cougars’ track team.

In 2010, Ansah successfully walked 0n to the football team.

During his three seasons with BYU football, Ansah played in 31 games, including nine starts.

He posted 72 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, and 7 quarterback hurries during BYU career.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).