"I'm looking forward to seeing Jet," Williams told reporters. "After two years, the way he's looked in the offseason, I just can't fathom him not being a breakout player."
McKinnon has been working to return from the ACL injury suffered before the start of the 2018 season. That came after signing with the 49ers just six months earlier. He has yet to take a regular-season snap with the team. That could change this season.
McKinnon hopes to prove he is the player head coach Kyle Shanahan envisioned upon his signing with the 49ers.
Shanahan admitted the loss of McKinnon in 2018 forced the coach to alter his plan for the season. The running back figured to be a featured component within Shanahan's always evolving offense.
"I'm not going to lie. It changes things pretty drastically," Shanahan said before the start of that season.
Kyle Juszczyk spoke with reporters on Tuesday via a video conference call and was told about Williams' comments from last week. The 49ers fullback could not agree more with his new teammate along the offensive line.
"I think we all share the same sentiments as Trent," Juszczyk said. "Jet has looked phenomenal. You just would never guess, going out there, and watching the way he practices, how smooth he is, how he doesn't second guess himself, how quickly he answers questions in meetings, all that kind of stuff, you would never guess that this guy hasn't been on the field for two years.
"He just makes things look so natural, so smooth, that I think there can only be positive things for him this year. I think he's going to have a really good year."
Another Niner running back, Raheem Mostert, is excited for McKinnon to prove doubters wrong. He believes the time being sidelined has allowed McKinnon to absorb and master Shanahan's playbook completely and that the recovering running back has served as a valuable resource for teammates.
"I'm trying to pick his brain, and he's trying to pick my brain with the run scheme," Mostert said in May. "We're doing a great job right now, and I can't wait for him to show what everyone's been doubting him on and missing out. I'm excited, man. It's going to be a surprise for everyone."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers rookie De'Zhaun Stribling shows progress in injury recovery
Matt Barrows of The Athletic provided an update Monday on San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. Reporters spotted Stribling walking around the 49ers' locker room without crutches, a brace, or... -
49ers receive bad news on potential Garrett Wilson trade
If you're a San Francisco 49ers fan hoping general manager John Lynch might still pull off a trade for New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, there was some disappointing news Saturday morning. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, one source told ESPN there is "no way"... -
Two 49ers players fined for actions during loss to Falcons
According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, the NFL has fined two San Francisco 49ers players for actions during the team's Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Running back Jordan James was fined $6,194 for unnecessary roughness involving the use of his helmet, while... -
49ers still searching for help at two positions before trade deadline
The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 6-1 start and sit atop the NFC West standings. Last week, they made a big move, acquiring defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts. They may not be done making trades. The 49ers weren't the only team to make a major...