San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams has yet to make his 2026 season debut. He's been out ever since he tore his ACL and suffered meniscus damage in his right knee on Nov. 2, 2025. Williams's 21-day practice window opened over a week ago, but he wasn't activated ahead of the Week 4 contest versus the Denver Broncos.
His 2026 debut is finally set for Sunday, Oct. 11 against the Seattle Seahawks as 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan made the announcement on Friday. "He's had a good two weeks," Shanahan said, via ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "It was good last week, and this week's been even better.
Ready to get him back out there on the field." This season will be a redemption of sorts for Williams as he only played in nine games last year after being selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He recorded 20 tackles and one sack last season. His return comes at a perfect time as the 49ers are dealing with various other injuries in the defensive core.
Defensive end Nick Bosa is set to miss his third-straight game on Sunday as he deals with a calf injury. Williams also watched various other players, including defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, suffer injuries that have kept them on the sidelines. It was agony for Williams watching from the sidelines knowing he could go out there and help his team.
He'll finally get his chance this weekend. "I'm losing my mind," Williams said. "I'm ready to go, though.
I'm excited to play ball. It's been like a damn near a year since I played. I just want to get back on the field." As long as Williams stays healthy, he gives the 49ers an additional defensive edge, especially while many of the team's stars sit out with injuries.
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