The San Francisco 49ers opened their rookie minicamp on Friday, giving the team's 2026 NFL Draft class its first on-field action. While attention centered on the newcomers, one of the most notable developments came away from the main practice field.
The 49ers entered last season expecting first-round pick Mykel Williams to help anchor a retooled defensive front. However, his rookie year was cut short in Week 9 after he suffered an ACL injury, ending his season prematurely.
The defense had previously lost Nick Bosa to an ACL injury, leaving the pass-rush group depleted, and resulting in an NFL-low 20 sacks.
The positive update on Friday came from Williams' progress in his recovery. He was observed participating in a mobility and resistance workout for about 30 minutes on a side field during minicamp.
"It appeared to be a promising development as Williams, who also tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee on Nov. 2, prepares for training camp in July and August," Noah Furtado of the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
The 49ers are hopeful that both Williams and Bosa will be able to participate in training camp in some capacity as they continue ramping up toward the 2026 NFL season.
"They're both doing really well," general manager John Lynch said in March. "They should be ready for training camp—maybe on a scale, ramped-type situation."
Bosa is likely further along in his recovery timeline due to the earlier timing of his injury. Lynch added that while Williams' return to full game action may not necessarily be in time for the start of the season, the second-year defensive lineman is "doing really well."
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