ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was the first to report that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's fears from Sunday afternoon were confirmed—rookie defensive end Mykel Williams suffered a torn ACL and will undergo season-ending surgery.
Shanahan spoke with reporters via conference call on Monday, confirming the injury. He also revealed that Williams suffered a torn lateral meniscus in addition to the ACL tear. The team has not yet determined a timeline for his recovery.
"I believe there was a lateral meniscus also, but they said it was—however it's worded—but it was a good one," Shanahan said when asked if the ACL was a clean tear. "I mean, it wasn't perfect because there was a lateral meniscus, but they feel good about it. His career will be fine from it. It'll heal great."
Shanahan offered an evaluation of Williams' performance ahead of the injury.
"I'm real happy with Mike," Shanahan said. "I would do the exact same thing over again (drafting him). I just hurt for him. I was loving watch him battle through all this stuff. He battled to get back in the season after an injury in training camp. He's been playing a long time since then. I thought he was a guy who kind of needed a bye week more than anyone.
"So, I'm just really disappointed that he's not able to really continue developing through this year because I believe we got a hell of a player, who's going to really figure this out in the run game and the pass game. And he still will, but I hurt for him that he isn't going to do that over the next half of this year."
No Brandon Aiyuk this week
Shanahan also shared that the 49ers will not open Brandon Aiyuk's practice window this week. The wide receiver continues to recover from the ACL and MCL injuries he sustained in October 2024.
Bryce Huff expected to return
There was some encouraging news for San Francisco. Defensive end Bryce Huff, who has missed the past two games due to a hamstring injury, is expected to return this week. His return would provide a much-needed boost to a 49ers defense that continues to battle multiple injuries.
"We expect to get Huff back this week, so good to get another one back," Shanahan said.
Ricky Pearsall and Jake Brendel have a chance
Center Jake Brendel, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, has a chance to return this week.
"We're hoping," Shanahan said. "We'll see on Wednesday. He's got to go through a couple more things here, tomorrow, before it can for sure be Wednesday, but he's got a chance."
Additionally, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who has been dealing with a knee injury, also has a chance to return this week. The 49ers will monitor his status closely throughout the week.
"Real similar to Jake's [situation] on that," Shanahan said. "They couldn't have confirmed today he'd be available this week, so we'll take it day by day, but we'll continue to evaluate him as this week goes."