SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

49ers All-Pro LT Trent Williams Sidelined A Few Weeks With High Ankle Sprain

Sep 26, 2022, 2:05 PM | Updated: 5:02 pm

Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field against the Dallas Cowboys prior ...

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 16: Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field against the Dallas Cowboys prior to an NFL wild-card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium on January 16, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The worse news from Sunday’s loss to the Broncos has finally come. San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday that left tackle Trent Williams will miss four to six weeks of the regular season due to a high ankle sprain. No surgery is believed to be required at this time.

The injury occurred in the third quarter when 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo scrambled out of the back of the endzone Sunday night, giving the Denver Broncos two points. A cart was brought out initially to assist the offensive lineman, but he was able to limp off under his own power to the locker room.

He was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Additionally, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair left Sunday night’s contest with a knee injury and did not return. Shanahan confirmed Monday that Al-Shaair suffered a sprained MCL and could be out for eight weeks.

Williams, 34, came over from Washington in 2020 in exchange for third and fifth-round picks, reuniting him with Kyle Shanahan. The Texas native is a perennial cornerstone of the 49ers’ rushing attack, possessing elite agility for a lineman that allows him to get to the second level quickly.

Without him on the offensive line, the 49ers’ ground game suffered as RB Jeff Wilson Jr. and the tailbacks only ran for 88 yards on the night. JWJ was the culprit on the final possession, coughing up the football to seal the win for Denver.

“I thought we made too many mistakes across the board. But ultimately that starts with me and the coaches…We have to give guys a better chance and that starts with me,” Shanahan said Monday, via conference call.

Some good news did come the Red & Gold’s way Monday as the head coach revealed safety Jimmie Ward (hamstring) and cornerback Jason Verrett (ACL) are eligible to practice after Week 4, an indication that both are ready to return to the field.

Newsletter

San Francisco 49ers

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown pass during the third quarter a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan raves about Brock Purdy as 49ers prepare for extension after 2024

The 49ers appear to be preparing for a massive Brock Purdy contract extension, something SF isn't shy about paying for the right guy.

13 hours ago

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball after a...

Amiliano Fragoso

Shanahan looking to get Brandon Aiyuk extension done ‘sooner than later’

Kyle Shanahan seemed optimistic about a long-term extension for Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to get pen to paper done as a soon as possible.

16 hours ago

Arik Armstead #91 looks on during San Francisco 49ers practice ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Fertitt...

Amiliano Fragoso

49ers GM John Lynch says Arik Armstead departure was a tough decision

John Lynch went through the Arik Armstead process with the media this week, explaining how happy he is that one of their own got a new deal.

20 hours ago

Fans in Christmas costumes watch from the stands prior to the game between the Denver Broncos and t...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL plans for Wednesday Christmas DoubleHeader in 2024

The NFL will reportedly have two games on Christmas Day, despite the holiday falling on a Wednesday, in 2024.

2 days ago

Denver Broncos punter Riley Dixon (9) kicks off on a drop kick kickoff after a safety in the first ...

Amiliano Fragoso

NFL approves hybrid kickoff method for 2024 season

The NFL is implementing a variety of league changes, including a new kickoff method, for the 2024 regular season.

2 days ago

General manager John Lynch of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at...

Joseph Jarosz

John Lynch on offseason surgeries, Brandon Aiyuk rumors and more at NFL meeting

At the annual NFL owner's meeting, 49ers GM John Lynch spoke to media about extending Brandon Aiyuk, gave injury updates and more.

3 days ago

49ers All-Pro LT Trent Williams Sidelined A Few Weeks With High Ankle Sprain