Rookie edge rusher Mykel Williams probably will shoulder an extra load with 49ers star Nick Bosa out for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season with a torn right ACL.
However, San Francisco will make sure that the 21-year-old isn’t carrying the weight of the world during the five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection’s lengthy absence.
Star linebacker Fred Warner explained how the team isn’t putting extra pressure on Williams when speaking with reporters at 49ers practice on Wednesday in Santa Clara.
“I honestly don’t think much needs to be said,” Warner said. “I think Mykel’s made out of the exact right stuff. I don’t feel that he’s even thinking in that way. I think he’s just so excited that he’s taking the opportunity to have as big a role as he’s had with us so far.
“Obviously, that role’s only going to increase. And he just loves playing the game and already wants to be the best version of himself. So, if he continues to keep going, I know that he’ll go where he wants to.”
Williams, whom the 49ers selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has had a strong start to his first campaign in the Bay.
He has collected eight tackles over 130 snaps through San Francisco’s impressive 3-0 start and, according to Pro Football Focus, is ranked 33rd of 155 edge rushers with nine quarterback pressures.
There appears to be a bright future ahead for Williams.
And while Bosa’s absence stings for the rookie and the entire team, Williams’ teammates and coaches, as represented by Warner, understand that their star defender’s devastating injury won’t derail expectations for the first-year Georgia product.
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