San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that second-year defensive lineman Mykel Williams will be activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Saturday, ahead of the team's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
It's good news for a defensive front that has dealt with several injuries this season, including the loss of star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who will miss his third consecutive game.
Williams has had two productive practice weeks since the 49ers opened his practice window, putting him in position to return to the active roster after an ACL injury cut his rookie season short.
Shanahan was asked how Williams has looked since returning to the practice field.
"Yeah, lost weight, in a good way," Shanahan said. "I don't know if he lost weight, but he's leaner. But he's had a good two weeks. He was good last week, and this week's been even better, and ready to get him back out there on the field."
As for Williams' workload in his first game back, Shanahan doesn't expect to limit the young defensive lineman.
"When he's out there, he'll be full go," Shanahan said. "We rotate our guys, and understand it's his first game, but we gotta see how it goes."
Williams recorded 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one sack, and one fumble recovery in nine games last season.
The 49ers have ruled out four players for Sunday's game against the Seahawks: defensive end Nick Bosa (knee, calf), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee), safety Marques Sigle (ankle), and defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. (ankle). All of those names were expected.
Mike Evans set to play vs. Seahawks
Cornerback Upton Stout (shoulder) and Williams were the only 49ers players listed as questionable on the final injury report. That means wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to play against Seattle after not being listed.
Evans played through a painful rib injury in the 49ers' Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos. He initially sustained the injury against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3.
The veteran wide receiver did not practice Wednesday or Thursday before returning to the field for Friday's session. His participation is an encouraging sign for the 49ers' passing attack heading into Sunday's divisional matchup.
Evans, in his 13th NFL season, has 17 catches for 213 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
More info on: Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, Kyle Juszczyk, Marques Sigle, Upton Stout, James Thompson, Mykel Williams
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