The 49ers are getting closer to benching Trent Williams for the rest of the year.
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a critical decision regarding their star left tackle, Trent Williams, as his ankle injury continues to sideline him. Coach Kyle Shanahan recently stated that the team is inching closer to ruling Williams out for the rest of the 2024 season. The 36-year-old Williams has missed the past four games, and his recovery has not progressed as quickly as the team had hoped. As the 49ers find themselves on the brink of playoff elimination with a 6-8 record, the question arises: Should the team shut Williams down for the remainder of the season and focus on preparing for next year?
Trent Williams’ Struggle to Heal
Trent Williams, widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in the NFL, has been struggling to recover from a lingering ankle injury that has kept him out of action for over a month. The team’s medical staff had hoped for a quicker recovery, but as the weeks go by without significant improvement, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Williams may not return this season.
Williams’ absence has significantly impacted the 49ers’ offensive line, leaving them vulnerable in critical games. Despite this, Shanahan has been cautious with the decision, stating that if Williams can recover fully, they would like him to return to action. However, given the current state of his injury and the 49ers’ playoff hopes fading, it seems more likely that the team will shut him down for the remainder of the year to avoid further complications.
San Francisco’s Playoff Push Without Williams
With Trent Williams out of the lineup, the 49ers have been struggling, and their playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread. The team’s record has now dropped to 6-8, and with each passing week, the chances of securing a postseason berth are becoming slimmer. The absence of their star tackle has made it even harder for quarterback Brock Purdy and the rest of the offense to find a rhythm.
Coach Shanahan has emphasized that the team would be open to playing Williams if his recovery allows him to return at full strength. However, with the 49ers facing a tough schedule and playoff hopes nearly dashed, it may be more beneficial to allow Williams to rest, recover, and come back stronger in 2025.
Other 49ers Injuries: Guerendo and Greenlaw’s Status
As the 49ers prepare to face Miami, the team is dealing with several other injury concerns. Running back Isaac Guerendo was absent from practice after suffering a hamstring injury during the team’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Guerendo had been filling in for Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, who were also sidelined with injuries. The absence of Guerendo could further strain the team’s depth at running back.
Another key player, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, has also been dealing with injury setbacks. Greenlaw, who made his return after a torn Achilles tendon, experienced some knee soreness after his first game back. Despite the injury concerns, Greenlaw’s return has brought a much-needed boost to the 49ers’ defense. Greenlaw’s physicality and leadership on the field were evident as he made eight tackles in the first half of his return game, reminding fans and teammates of what the defense had been missing.
The 49ers’ Challenging Decision
As the San Francisco 49ers continue to struggle with injuries and a declining record, the decision regarding Trent Williams’ future this season becomes more complicated. With Williams unable to return to practice and his recovery slower than expected, it’s likely that the 49ers will choose to shut him down for the rest of the year and focus on getting him fully healthy for next season.
As they face difficult decisions with key players like Williams, Guerendo, and Greenlaw, the 49ers’ focus will shift toward evaluating their roster and planning for the future. For now, the hope is that the team can finish the season strong, despite the mounting challenges. But for Trent Williams, his focus will undoubtedly be on returning to full health for 2025, where he can once again contribute to the 49ers’ Super Bowl aspirations.
