The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their second practice of the week, and Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams was on the field with his teammates. The 49ers are preparing to open the playoff on the road this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys, and Williams is dealing with the elbow injury that forced him to be inactive on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
#49ers LT Trent Williams (elbow) IS on the field during early portion of practice. pic.twitter.com/x6gF0AqMaI
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) January 13, 2022
Williams did not practice on Wednesday. Although, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism that his veteran offensive lineman would be good to go on Sunday.
"Trent is better today (Wednesday) than he was [this past] Sunday," Shanahan said, "but still, I'm hoping he'll be ready for Sunday."
On Wednesday, the Williams told ESPN's Ed Werder that he intends to play against Dallas, regardless of his practice statuses this week.
"He made it clear he intends to play Sunday against the Cowboys," tweeted Werder, "believing a brace and adrenaline will offset any remaining issues with the elbow."
I spoke to #Niners left tackle Trent Williams, who missed practice today and last week's game against the #Rams with an elbow injury. He made it clear he intends to play Sunday against the #Cowboys, believing a brace and adrenaline will offset any remaining issues with the elbow.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 12, 2022
Williams is in his second season with the 49ers. He started 15 games this season and was named to his ninth career Pro Bowl.
49ers practice:
Trent Williams (elbow) and Mitchell (knee) are both backWilliams' first time in more than a week
Practicing:
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) January 13, 2022
Greenlaw (groin)
Azeez (knee)
Hufanga (knee)
Garoppolo (thumb)
Tartt (shoulder)
Wishnowsky (concussion)
Harris (Achilles)
Mack/Bosa/Kittle (rest) pic.twitter.com/S8EHhBHpUw
Also back at practice was rookie running back Elijah Mitchell, the 49ers' leading rusher. He did not practice on Wednesday but played against the Rams this past weekend. The 49ers are being cautious with Mitchell, who has been dealing with a knee injury. The rookie led the team with 85 rushing yards in Week 18.
San Francisco has one more practice this week before traveling to the Arlington, Texas. That typically lighter final practice will be on Friday at 12:25 p.m. PT.