49ers' Mykel Williams' Week 1 availability a 'longshot' as knee heals

The San Francisco 49ers may open the season without one of their young defensive building blocks.

Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that Week 1 is "a longshot" for edge rusher Mykel Williams as he works back from a knee issue, while stressing that the 2025 first-round pick is "progressing well." The update came via reporter Vic Tafur and was amplified by Ian Rapoport, who called it an update on "last year's first rounder."

Williams, a key part of San Francisco's edge rotation, missing the opener would thin a pass-rush group the 49ers count on heavily. The franchise has been deliberate about ramping defenders back from injury, and Williams' timeline suggests a cautious approach rather than a setback.