:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67219175/1203071321.jpg.0.jpg)
Kyle’s update, 8:22 a.m. PT:
More clarity on K’Waun Williams’ Grade 1 calf strain: The #49ers slot cornerback is expected to be sidelined 2-3 weeks, per source.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 18, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with their fair share of injuries leading up to the 2020 season. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a Jones fracture during offseason training, and fellow pass catcher Jalen Hurd is expected to miss the entire 2020 season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Niners got a scare when K’Waun Williams left practice with a calf injury, but his MRI brought some good news:
An MRI showed #49ers CB K’Waun Williams has a Grade 1 calf strain, source said. They’ll take it slow, but good news for Williams, an important player on defense the past three seasons who’s in a contract year.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2020
Williams should be back on the field within the next two weeks if everything goes according to plan, so that should give him enough time to prepare for San Francisco’s Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, which is scheduled for Sept. 13. The 29-year-old nickel corner is in the final year of his three-year contract and is a big part of the back end of the Niners’ defense.
In 2019, Williams helped San Francisco to become the second-ranked passing defense in the league. He and Richard Sherman were the highest-graded cornerback duo in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. The 49ers cannot afford to lose either of them to a long-term injury if they want to make another Super Bowl run.
— PFF (@PFF) June 8, 2020
Last season, Williams finished with 51 tackles (two for a loss), two picks, four quarterback hits, and a sack.