Former Georgia Bulldogs star pass rusher Mykel Williams is recovering from an ACL injury entering his second year in the NFL. Williams is not expected to be ready to return to game action in time for Week 1.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Williams with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but he suffered a torn ACL midway through his rookie season. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says that Williams is "progressing well", but is a "longshot" to play in Week 1.
Williams posted 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him to be healthy and is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2. San Francisco suffered an enormous amount of injuries on defense last season, but was still able to make the playoffs. The wheels fell off for the 49ers in a Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
San Francisco needs to have a healthier 2026 season. San Francisco plays in the NFC West, which is arguably the toughest divisions in the NFL, and does not have a ton of margin of error.
Williams has been named as a player that is under pressure to perform this year. The 49ers are hoping Williams will take the next step and boost their pass rush.

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