"Wow, it's good to have you back," Kyle Shanahan said in the message that included the highlight.
That block went viral on Sunday, and rightfully so. Williams absolutely obliterated the defender on the play, which featured tight end George Kittle on an end-around run.
Williams spoke with reporters after practice on Thursday and was asked where the block ranks among the many he's had over his illustrious career.
"I think that's one of the best ones I've probably had, probably put on tape," Williams said. "I've had some good shots where out on a screen, you kind of catch a little guy. But in the box, it's a lot harder to get those types of blocks. So I think it would probably rank at the top of my career."
Williams' new teammates enjoyed watching the block this week. That includes defensive end Nick Bosa. But Williams' block on Hicks wasn't even what impressed Bosa the most from watching his teammate during the game.
"He destroyed that guy," Bosa said on Thursday. "I think that's super impressive, and that's something that not many tackles do, but I'm more impressed with how he held up against Chandler Jones the entire game. He made Chandler look like an average dude out there, which is almost impossible to do. And for him to do that, first game back, that's pretty unbelievable.
"It's really cool to have somebody that's the best at what they do, bar none, number one best at what they do on your team. I watch him every day, and I'm just happy he's on my team."
As for the block itself, Williams broke down the play.
"It's a gap-scheme play," the offensive lineman explained, "and we had what's called a guard bubble with nobody over the guard. So it frees me up to go straight to the linebacker.
"I knew I would have a kill shot on him. I just knew I had to get there quick because if you wait on him, they'll make you miss. They're a lot smaller.
"I just wanted to try to get to the second level as fast as I can and take away the option to go either way and, for the lack of a better expression, just kind of lay him out."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Colton McKivitz praises George Kittle, highlights Kaelon Black's impact on 49ers run game
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz was glad to see a couple of familiar faces back on the practice field Sunday. Christian McCaffrey returned to practice after a planned absence, while tight end George Kittle continued his impressive recovery from the Achilles... -
49ers land Trent Williams successor in 2027 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders before shifting their focus to the Los Angeles Rams, whom they will face in Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia. While the 2027 NFL offseason may feel far away, ESPN's Jordan Reid is... -
49ers reveal when Nick Bosa plans to return to practice
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa did not participate in Monday's practice as the team began preparations for its trip to Australia, where it will face the Los Angeles Rams on September 10. Instead, Bosa worked on the side while his teammates went through team... -
49ers injury updates: Kyle Shanahan outlines practice plans for George Kittle, Nick Bosa
The San Francisco 49ers expect tight end George Kittle and defensive end Nick Bosa to practice this week as the team prepares to travel to Australia for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle returned to practice last week after being activated from the...