Latest injury ups 49ers' need for former Georgia first-round pick
The 49ers need former Georgia first-round pick Mykel Williams to return from injury after defensive tackle Alfred Collins was ruled out for the season
The San Francisco 49ers already are dealing with injuries along their defensive front. 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins was expected to play a large role in his second season, but is now out of the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon just days before San Francisco 's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia.
As a rookie in 2025, Collins posted 17 tackles, a sack and forced a pair of fumbles. Collins is former second-round pick out of Texas.
Collins' injury puts more pressure on former Georgia Bulldogs first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to action. Williams suffered a torn ACL last season and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season. Williams will miss the 49ers first four games of the season.
Williams recorded 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season (2025) with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him and the defensive front as a whole to be healthy. Coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2.
The 49ers will have to find a delicate balance of limiting Williams' snaps to preserve his health while still giving him enough playing time to develop into a defensive force. Williams can return for the 49ers Week 5 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks .
The 49ers open the season on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8:35 p.m. ET against the Los Angeles Rams (televised on Netflix).
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