49ers place NT Ian Williams on reserve/NFI list, ending his season

The San Francisco 49ers have placed NT Ian Williams on the reserve/non-football injury list, per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. The move makes room on the 90-man roster for OT Anthony Davis' return to the team following his reinstatement into the NFL.


The placement of Williams on the injury list is a season-ending move according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area and a "huge blow" to the 49ers who had hoped to have Williams available at some point this season. "It is not known how Williams sustained the non-football injury in the offseason," reports Maiocco. The 49ers defense had already lost edge defender Aaron Lynch for four games due to a suspension. Williams and Lynch were the team's top two defenders in 2015 per Pro Football Focus.


In March, Williams, who was about to become a free agent, agreed to a new five-year contract with the 49ers. That contract was believed to pay Williams between $5 and $6 million per year. However, when his availability for the 49ers' season opener in September came into question, that contract was replaced by a one-year deal.

Following a physical, it was determined that Williams' rehab from surgery on his left leg would require more time than originally believed. The base salary on his new deal is $1 million with bonuses that bring the cap hit for the 49ers to $4 million. The contract allows the 49ers to evaluate Williams for another season, but will once again make him a free agent in 2017. Prior to the extent of the injury becoming better known, Williams was considered one of the top interior defender free agents.

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Williams missed 21 of 32 games from in 2013 and 2014 because of a leg fracture in each of the two seasons. He became a starter in 2014, but the fractured leg ended his season after nine games. He started all 16 games for the 49ers in 2015 and underwent a follow-up procedure upon completion of the season.

Williams joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in 2011.

Related News

• Reserve/NFI designation means Ian Williams out for season Pro Football Talk • Jul 30, 2016
• 49ers activate RT Anthony Davis, put NT Ian Williams on injury list The Mercury News • Jul 30, 2016
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• Ian Williams done for season, placed on reserve NFI to make room for Anthony Davis Niners Wire • Jul 30, 2016
• Ian Williams out for the season; Anthony Davis reinstated NBCS Bay Area • Jul 30, 2016