The 49ers are full throttle in training camp, preparing for their NFL Week1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Set to play two more preseason contests before beginning regular-season prep, San Francisco is locked in on returning to Super Bowl contention. But they might be short-handed going into the regular season with Mykel Williams still not back from injury.
After the 49ers’ joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday, Kyle Shanahan gave reporters an update on Williams’ recovery from a torn ACL — and it was not encouraging. While Shanahan said Williams is progressing well, he is considered a “long shot” to play in Week 1. There also is no timetable for his return to action.
“He’s further away than those other guys you guys just asked about, but we do think he’s close. I do think Week 1 would be a long shot, but we haven’t ruled it out yet. But, he’s progressing very well,” Shanahan said.
Williams, picked No. 11 overall by the 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft, showed flashes of promise throughout his rookie season but saw his campaign end prematurely after he tore his right ACL in a Week 9 contest against the New York Giants. Williams finished the season with 20 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery before being placed on the injured reserve.
Williams’ absence during the early portion of the season will hurt the 49ers, but after investing a lot to draft him and needing him to provide a boost for the pass rush, bringing him back slowly is exactly what the team must do. The 49ers ended the 2025 NFL season dead-last in sacks, so having Williams healthy and playing at a high level is a must, especially with Nick Bosa coming off of his third ACL tear.
With Williams out, the 49ers will rely on guys like Keion White and Romello Height to fill the void. But regardless of who rushes the passer for San Francisco, the goal for the season does not change: be the last team standing and hoist its sixth Lombardi Trophy.
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