Injuries at cornerback, running back hinder 49ers
The mounting injuries at running back and cornerback finally caught up to the San Francisco 49ers in their last second-loss to the Green Bay PackersSEPTEMBER 27, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
K'WAUN WILLIAMS
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Everything seemed to be going to plan down the stretch of the San Francisco 49ers' first home game with fans in more than 20 months — with just one small problemSEPTEMBER 27, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rodgers rallies Packers past 49ers 30-28
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AP source: Slot CB K'Waun Williams returns to 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have brought back another key piece for their roster, agreeing to a one-year deal to retain slot cornerback K’Waun WilliamsMARCH 24, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Stays with San Francisco Williams (shin) agreed Wednesday to re-sign with the 49ers on a one-year contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Impact The veteran slot corner started 28 of his 51 games for San Francisco over the past four seasons, recording 13 passes defensed and three interceptions. Williams played only eight games in 2020, but there hasn't been any report of his ankle or shin injuries requiring offseason surgery. He'll likely compete for the nickelback role this summer.
MARCH 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Ruled out for Sunday Williams (shin) will miss the regular-season finale against Seattle on Sunday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Impact Williams did not practice at all this week, so his inability to suit up Sunday is not surprising. The cornerback has played in only eight contests in 2020, registering a season-high 70 percent snap count last week versus Arizona. In that contest, he made an impact with six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
JANUARY 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Third-string QB Beathard throws 3 TDs, 49ers stun Cardinals
Third-string quarterback CDECEMBER 27, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Will play Sunday Williams (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
Impact Williams was able to practice in full capacity Friday, and as evidenced by this news, he'll make his return to the lineup for the first time since Week 9. Despite Jason Verrett (illness) being a surprise scratch for the contest, Williams and Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) will return to bolster the depth in the secondary. It's unclear what sort of role Williams will have in the defense Sunday, especially considering he'll be making his return after a lengthy absence.
DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Could play Week 15 Williams (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys.
Impact Williams hit a major milestone in his recovery from a high-ankle sprain by practicing without limitations Friday. He may return to the lineup for the first time since Week 9. His role is to be determined, however, as Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett are locked into starting roles, while Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) is also considered questionable.
DECEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Absence extends another week Williams (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against Washington.
Impact Williams was initially projected to sit out four to six weeks with a high-ankle sprain suffered Nov. 6, so it's no surprise the 29-year-old cornerback has remained unable to return to action just yet. He was limited throughout the practice week, hinting that a game appearance may be on the horizon for Williams. Whether San Francisco's dwindling playoff hopes remain alive when he returns is another matter.
DECEMBER 13, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Managing ankle issue Williams (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.
Impact Williams has yet to take the field since Week 9's loss to the Packers when he suffered a high-ankle sprain. The Pittsburgh product originally was given a six- to eight-week timetable for a return, so he appears to be trending in the right direction to return this season. Williams will have a shot to play in Sunday's game against Washington, but either Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring) or Ahkello Witherspoon is expected to handle the team's starting nickel corner position for the game.
DECEMBER 10, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Set for Week 13 absence Williams (ankle) won't practice this week or suit up in Monday's contest against the Bills, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Impact Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 9's loss to the Packers and was expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks with the issue, so this news isn't quite surprising. As long as Williams is sidelined with the ankle injury, Emmanuel Moseley or Ahkello Witherspoon are expected to handle the team's starting nickel corner position.
DECEMBER 3, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Avoids two-game ban Williams (ankle) had his two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances rescinded due to issues in the testing procedures, Jennifer Lee Chan...
Impact The suspension was announced Tuesday, but he'll instead be available for Sunday's matchup with the Rams, though he hasn't practiced recently. Williams received a 4-to-6 week recovery timeline after suffering a high-ankle sprain in early November against the Packers, so he could be sidelined for another week or two.
NOVEMBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Faces two-game ban Williams was issued a two-game suspension Tuesday for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Williams will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster Dec. 8, meaning he'll be back for the Week 13 game against Buffalo. There was a decent chance that Williams would've missed the next two games anyway, as he's rehabbing from a high-ankle sprain he suffered in Week 9. Emmanuel Moseley, Jason Verrett and Jamar Taylor will continue starting at cornerback until Williams and Richard Sherman (calf) return.
NOVEMBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Injured 49ers CB K'Waun Williams suspended 2 games
Injured San Francisco 49ers cornerback K’Waun Williams has been suspended two games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substancesNOVEMBER 24, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Set for extended absence Williams is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Williams suffered the injury in last week's loss to the Packers, but since he's already spent a stint on short-term injured reserve, so if he's placed on the list again he can't return this campaign. As long as Williams is sidelined with the ankle issue, look for Jamar Taylor to take over as the team's starting nickel corner for Sunday's game against the Saints.
NOVEMBER 11, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Dealing with high-ankle sprain Williams sustained a high-ankle sprain during Thursday's 34-17 loss to the Packers, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Impact Williams was forced out of Thursday's loss due to the injury. Given the lengthy recovery timetable often associated with high-ankle sprains, it looks like Jamar Taylor has a fair shot to start at nickel corner Week 10.
NOVEMBER 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Return deemed questionable Williams (ankle) is questionable to return to Thursday night's matchup against the Packers, Tracy Sandler of Fangirl Sports reports.
Impact Williams already served a stint on injured reserve while nursing a sprained ACL throughout October, and now he's dealing with a separate lower-body injury in the form of an ankle issue suffered mid-game Thursday night. San Francisco does at least have Emmanuel Moseley back in the lineup after he dealt with a concussion earlier in the season, but Aaron Rodgers was capable of racking up 149 passing yards and three passing scores in the first half against the 49ers' defense.
NOVEMBER 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Records first sack of 2020 Williams finished with two tackles (both solo) and one sack Sunday against the Seahawks.
Impact Williams was activated from injured reserve prior to Sunday's matchup after missing time with a knee issue, and he responded by registering his first sack of the season. He's tallied 14 tackles (10 solo) and two passes defended over five contests this year.
NOVEMBER 3, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Back on active roster The 49ers activated Williams (knee) from injured reserve Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Impact Prior to Williams' three-game IR stint, he was a consistent contributor in the 49ers' secondary, logging more than 50 percent of the snap share in each game. It's unsettled whether he'll retain that role upon return to the lineup, as Jason Verrett, Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon are all on board as well. There could be an ongoing competition, but Williams stands a good chance to secure consistent playing time, as he allowed an 83.8 passer rating when targeted through the first four contests.
OCTOBER 31, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Practice window opens Williams (knee) was cleared to return to practice Wednesday, opening a 21-day window for him to be activated off IR, Cam Inman of The Mercury News reports.
Impact Williams will be eligible to play as soon as he's removed from IR, which could be as soon as Sunday in Seattle if he impresses in practice this week. The cornerback last suited up in Week 4, and Williams has been recovering from a sprained ACL since.
OCTOBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
May get back Week 8 Williams (knee-ACL) is hopeful he will be able to play in San Francisco's upcoming matchup against the Seahawks, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Impact The 29-year-old has been inactive since Week 4, but the 49ers are eager to get Williams back for Sunday because of a looming matchup against MVP frontrunner Russell Wilson. San Francisco has returned Ahkello Witherspoon and Emmanuel Moseley from injury in recent weeks, and getting Williams reactivated would be yet another defensive advantage as the 49ers search for a third straight win.
OCTOBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Working back from injury Williams (knee) was seen working on the side field during Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Williams has resided on IR for the past two weeks, but Wagoner noted that the linebacker was moving well during Thursday's session. Williams will need to sit out Sunday's game against the Patriots, however, he'll be eligible to return in Week 8. Ahkello Witherspoon and Emmanuel Moseley will continue to handle starting duties at cornerback with Williams out Sunday.
OCTOBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Moves to injured reserve Williams (knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Williams suffered a sprained ACL last week, and it was only a matter of time before he was shifted to injured reserve. The 29-year-old will miss at least the next three games before being eligible to return.
OCTOBER 11, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
