The San Francisco 49ers may be getting a huge boost on their defensive line. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports San Francisco reported that second-year defensive end Mykel Williams could return to practice this week. Williams is currently recovering from the ACL tear he suffered during his rookie season. For a 49ers defense that has been brutally beaten up on the front line already this season, this is exactly the kind of news they need.

Nothing has been officially confirmed by San Francisco yet. HC Kyle Shanahan did tell reporters that Williams is due to have his practice window opened ahead of their Week 4 matchup against Denver, but that is all we know. With Williams’ injury happening in Week 9 last year against the Giants, the rookie did not get much experience in his first season. 

That looks like it is about to change as we are almost certain to see him on the field within the next month. 

San Francisco’s defensive front has been decimated

Look, the 49ers are missing bodies up front. Sam Okuayinonu and Alfred Collins are currently out, as Collins will not return this season. They’re down plenty of dudes along the defensive line. It’d be an understatement to say that they desperately need Williams back.

Williams was a first-round pick in 2025 out of Ohio State, and he’s a talented player. But at this point, what he needs most is reps. I understand the most important thing is prioritizing his health going forward, and availability truly is the best ability. That said, he has to be out there getting reps to improve. The 49ers need to figure out what they have in this guy for his long-term future.

San Francisco managed a league-low 20 sacks in the 2025 season and already have four in 2026, all coming against the Dolphins. They have shown through two games to have a greater impact on the quarterback with their rush. You add Mykel Williams back into the fold, and that number looks even more promising for the 49ers.

The 49ers are winning despite the injuries

Here’s the thing. San Francisco is 2-0 despite all these injuries. This is still a team in a Super Bowl window, and they need every available body they can get. They are getting MVP-level quarterback play out of Brock Purdy and their defensive captain Fred Warner is certainly doing his thing. 

The injuries seem to be the only thing at the current moment that can hold San Francisco back. It’s going to be a process to get these guys back out on the field for the 49ers, but getting Mykel Williams back soon is a great start.