Superstar left tackle Trent Williams didn’t participate in either of the 49ers’ joint practices this season, but there is methodical reason for his absence.

Williams missed San Francisco’s practice with the Denver Broncos last week, and wasn’t on the field Thursday as the 49ers battled the Las Vegas Raiders in the Nevada desert.

After Thursday’s practice, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan revealed why Williams has been absent for the joint practices, clarifying that it hasn’t been intentionally done to give Spencer Burford more work as he transitions to left tackle after spending the last three seasons at guard.

“No, it’s more about Trent. Starting to have new plus-36-year-old rules for certain people,” Shanahan told reporters. “Yeah, his plus-36 might be a little different than our punter and long snappers but you know, Trent’s playing at a very high level, Trent’s in as good as shape. I think he’s a lot further along right now than he was last year.”

After holding out for a new contract last summer, Williams has been much more involved with 49ers training camp this time around as San Francisco prepares for the 2025 NFL season.

Shanahan also highlighted how Williams’ esteemed status among his peers invites certain risks as many players use their reps against the future Pro Football Hall of Famer as a measuring stick for their own performance.

“But we love where Trent’s at,” Shanahan said. “You only have so many bullrushes, so many everything you have in you once you get to a certain age, and when you put a guy out there like Trent, I mean everyone wants to measure themselves up against him. So, I’ve been in joint practices with Trent, and it’s a little different for him just going against people. So would’ve taken him out of that and be a little bit smarter with him.”

Williams is entering his sixth season with the 49ers and arguably is the most important player on San Francisco’s roster.

Tasked with protecting quarterback Brock Purdy’s blind side and opening running lanes for All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, Williams still figures to be among the NFL’s best even as he embarks on his age-37 season.

While Williams undoubtedly is aging gracefully on his own merit, Shanahan and the 49ers hope their conservative approach with his practice usage assists in maximizing the All-Pro’s effectiveness this season and beyond.

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