49ers’ Trent Williams returns to practice with Eagles playoff game looming

Trent Williams' availability for this weekend's playoff matchup may be trending in a positive direction.

The San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro left tackle returned to the practice field Thursday as the team prepares for its NFC Wild Card road game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Williams had missed the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 17, a game in which he played just one snap.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner shared video of Williams rejoining his teammates during the early portion of practice, offering a hopeful sign for a game-day return.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall's availability, however, remains uncertain. The second-year wideout aggravated a lingering PCL injury in Week 17 and did not play in Week 18. According to Wagoner, Pearsall was observed working on a side field during Thursday's session.

Additional practice videos also captured Williams working during the opening portion, further fueling optimism that he could be available against Philadelphia.

Before practice, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke about Williams' significance to the 49ers' offense and the challenges of compensating for his absence.

"Trent's an elite player, and when you don't have him, and you know you're not going to have him, you do have to think about, okay, how are we going to cover for that?" Kubiak said. "How are we going to make up for it? So, you're always doing things strategically, whether you're helping a tackle or you're having protection slide a certain way, whatever. It's a huge challenge."

Williams' practice participation will be closely monitored as the 49ers finalize their preparations for Sunday's postseason showdown.