Mykel Williams Returns for 49ers After ACL Recovery

Nearly a year after a knee injury ended his rookie campaign, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Mykel Williams is returning to the field against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The 2025 first-round draft pick is expected to make his 2026 season debut, giving San Francisco another defensive option as the team prepares for its Week 5 matchup.

According to the 49ers, Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9 of his rookie season in 2025. Before the injury, he started all nine games he played, recording 20 tackles and one sack after San Francisco selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

Williams underwent surgery on November 25, 2025, and spent the offseason working through rehabilitation. His return comes after two weeks of practice, during which the coaching staff monitored his progress ahead of Sunday's game.

Williams said he was eager to resume playing after spending an extended period away from competition.

"I'm ready to go. I'm excited to play ball. I miss playing ball," Williams said Wednesday.

"It's been a near year since I've played. I just want to get back on the field."

During rehabilitation, Williams received guidance from fellow defensive lineman Nick Bosa, who has also experienced ACL injuries. Williams credited Bosa with providing practical advice throughout the recovery process.

"Bosa was great for my whole recovery process," Williams said. "I was leaning on him so much, and he was willingly just offering me advice and just telling me little things to do different."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Williams' readiness after observing his work during the two-week practice period. Shanahan said the defensive lineman had improved from one week to the next as he approached his return.

"He's had a good two weeks. He was good last week and this week's been even better," Shanahan said Friday. "Ready to get him back out there on the field."

Williams' availability adds depth to a defensive front missing key contributors. The 49ers ruled out Bosa and defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. for Sunday's contest, according to the team.

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris highlighted Williams' physical presence and energy as qualities he expects the lineman to bring back to the unit. The coaching staff is looking for contributions against both the run and the pass.

"He's big, he gives us a lot of energy, gives a lot of juice," Morris said Thursday.

Williams said the identity of his first opponent after rehabilitation did not affect his determination to return. His focus remained on getting back into game action after months of recovery.

"I don't care who it was," Williams said. "It could have been anybody. I'm just ready to play ball."