The San Francisco 49ers were able to pick up a win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, but they didn’t come out of it unscathed. Tight end George Kittle bowed out of the game with a hamstring injury after scoring San Francisco’s first touchdown of the year, and Brock Purdy popped up on the injured report and is expected to have an extended absence while he battles a form of turf toe.
With running back Christian McCaffrey already walking the tight rope with a calf injury, the 49ers can’t afford to have any more injuries heading into Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as offensive tackle Trent Williams was listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report.
49ers Could Sit Trent Williams vs. Saints Amid Growing Injury Concerns
Williams left Sunday’s game against the Seahawks momentarily with a knee injury but was able to return and finish the game. While it appeared San Francisco had avoided a scare with their franchise left tackle, the issues continued when Williams missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice but was limited on Friday.
This was to be expected as Williams entered his age-37 season. While Williams likely has earned a gold jacket and a spot in Canton as a three-time First-Team All-Pro and an 11-time Pro Bowler, he is also part of a growing age problem in San Francisco. The 49ers had the 12th-oldest roster in the league with an average age of 26.30 entering Week 1, and with several key players on the sideline, it’s understandable if the team leaned too hard on its veteran presence to help Purdy succeed under his new contract.
But Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn had another view of Williams’s injury. While many could see it as “a business decision,” Cohn suggests that the absence of his teammates could convince the 49ers to play it safe, especially against a team like the New Orleans Saints, who are regarded as one of the worst teams in the NFL.
“If Sunday’s game were a must-win playoff matchup, I’m guessing he might play even if he’s not 100 percent healthy,” Cohn admitted. “But it’s Week 2, the 49ers are 1-0, and lots of their starters will be out this Sunday. I’m talking Purdy, Kittle, and possibly [offensive guard] Ben Bartch and [wide receiver] Jauan Jennings, too. They haven’t practiced this week, either. Which means if Williams played on his injured knee, the 49ers could still lose, and he might make the injury worse than it already is.”
With a win already banked, the 49ers may be smart to hold Williams out and take their chances with the Saints. The situation could also be something to monitor going forward if Williams’s knee issue doesn’t get better with a potential week of rest.