San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams is on track to make his 2026 season debut against the Seattle Seahawks after recovering from a torn ACL. The second-year player missed the first four games on the PUP list following a rookie season ending injury sustained against the New York Giants.
Mykel Williams Returns to Practice Ahead of Seattle Matchup
The San Francisco 49ers stand at 4-0 to start the season, but their defensive line has absorbed a heavy toll from injuries over the last couple of years.
Nick Wagoner of ESPN reported that the defensive lineman would work in more during practice with the hope of game availability pending his progress. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Williams can return for Sunday’s road game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks if all continues to go well during the practice week.
“I’m going crazy. I’m losing my mind. I’m ready to go. I’m excited to play ball. I miss playing ball. It’s been like damn near a year since I played, so I just want to get back on the field.”
Mykel Williams, San Francisco 49ers defensive end, via Associated Press
When asked about facing a specific division opponent for his comeback game, the defender emphasized that the identity of the team across the line held no importance for him.
Nick Bosa Mentors Williams Through Rehabilitation
Bosa offered practical advice and guidance on minor adjustments throughout the healing process as detailed by 95.7 The Game.
“I was leaning on him so much, and he was willingly just offering me advice and telling me little things to do different. He’s been through this [expletive] twice already, so it wasn’t nothing to him.”
Mykel Williams, San Francisco 49ers defensive end, via 95.7 The Game
Beyond knee rehab, Bosa aided Williams in transforming his physique to increase burst and get leaner.
Injured Defensive Line Seeks Relief from Rookie Pick
The starting unit has featured third-round rookie Romello Height, fourth-round rookie Gracen Halton, trade-deadline acquisition Keion White, and Osa Odighizuwa since Nick Bosa went down with a calf injury ahead of Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.
San Francisco’s makeshift front held the Denver Broncos to 82 rushing yards on 22 attempts during a 24-14 victory despite missing personnel. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris noted that Williams brings immense versatility to the scheme, capable of setting the edge against the run or sliding to the interior.
Elevating Performance After a Rookie Season Cut Short
Selected 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia following a 2022 national championship campaign, Williams finished his shortened rookie year with 20 total tackles, 11 solo stops, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and one sack across nine appearances prior to his November knee injury against the New York Giants.
Williams spent his recovery fine-tuning his get-off speed, pad level, and hand usage, expressing dissatisfaction with his initial NFL tape during his Wednesday media session.
“I wasn’t happy with what I did, to be real. I wasn’t, because I know the type of player I am, and I don’t think I represented myself well on tape last year, whether that be for different reasons or—I just ain’t played the best to my ability.”
Mykel Williams, San Francisco 49ers defensive end
Kickoff for the 49ers and Seahawks is scheduled for Sunday as San Francisco aims to push its record to 5-0.
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