Mykel Williams Returns to 49ers Defense for Seattle Clash

Williams Cleared for Action

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams will make his 2026 season debut Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Williams is returning slightly under a year after tearing his ACL and suffering meniscus damage in his right knee.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team will activate Williams from the physically unable to perform list on Saturday. Williams is officially listed as questionable on the injury report, but Shanahan stated he is ready to play after two strong weeks of practice. The team released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo on Friday to create a roster spot. Okoronkwo could return to the practice squad.

Injury Background and Defensive Depth

Williams suffered his knee injury on Nov. 2, 2025, against the New York Giants. That ended his rookie campaign after nine appearances. During that stretch, he averaged 45 snaps per game, collecting 20 tackles and one sack while working on the edge on early downs and moving inside on obvious passing downs.

Williams said he came back leaner and quicker once he recovered from the injury, and teammate Nick Bosa helped him through the rehabilitation process. San Francisco needs the reinforcement up front. The defensive line has suffered multiple injuries over the first four games, losing Bosa to a calf problem, Sam Okuayinonu to a foot issue, and defensive tackles Alfred Collins, C.J. West, and James Thompson Jr. to lower body injuries.

Shanahan said Williams will not face strict snap limits. When Williams is out there, he will be full go, joining a defensive end rotation that also features Keion White, Khalid Kareem, and rookie Romello Height.

San Francisco Injury Report Updates

The Niners will miss several contributors for the division game in Seattle. Bosa, Thompson, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and safety Marques Sigle have been ruled out. Cornerback Upton Stout is questionable with a shoulder injury after practicing on a limited basis Thursday.

Wide receiver Mike Evans does not carry an injury designation and is good to go despite dealing with a rib issue.

What it means for the next game

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Seattle Seahawks win 54%, San Francisco 49ers win 46%; projected score Seattle Seahawks 24, San Francisco 49ers 22. Our safest pick: 49ers +10.