Williams (ribs) is getting cut by the 49ers, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.
Analysis: Though he's reportedly making progress with his rib injury, Williams missed out on his chance to push for a spot on the 53-man roster. Coach Kyle Shanahan famously lobbied for the Niners to select Williams in the fourth round of last year's draft, but undrafted free agent Matt Breida (shoulder) turned out to be the team's rookie gem in the backfield. It won't be a big surprise if Williams draws some interest around the league in the coming days.
Aug 31, 2018 12:39 PM EST
Williams suffered a ribs fracture that coach Kyle Shanahan said will sideline him for "a while", ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.
Analysis: Williams will at least miss Week 1, according to Shanahan, who updated the media regarding his team's injuries Sunday night. The coach continued by saying it hasn't been determined whether Williams will be placed on injured reserve or designated to return, but it's clear the Niners will have to make do without him until further notice. Considering Williams joins fellow tailbacks Jerick McKinnon (calf) and Matt Breida (shoulder) on the shelf for the rest of the preseason, Jeremy McNichols, Alfred Morris, Raheem Mostert and Jeffery Wilson figure to compete for larger roles in the meantime.
Aug 19, 2018 6:13 PM EST
Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Williams sustained a rib fracture in Saturday's preseason loss to Houston and will miss the beginning of the regular season, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.
Analysis: The injury comes at a tough time for Williams, who was in the thick of a competition to win a backup role with the 49ers this year after spending his entire rookie season on IR. The team hasn't decided whether they will use their IR (with designation to return) on the back, as they have an offensive lineman also dealing with a serious injury. Either way, Williams' health will ultimately decide his fate for the second consecutive preseason.
Aug 19, 2018 6:11 PM EST
Williams carried the ball eight times for 18 yards Saturday, adding a pair of receptions for another 14 yards in a preseason loss to Houston.
Analysis: Williams was the second back to enter the contest after Jeremy McNichols started and played the entire first half. Both backs failed to impress, averaging under three yards per carry even with the Texans sitting their top two defensive linemen. Williams' inability to produce big gains in his first two preseason games should keep special teams ace Raheem Mostert in the lead for the 49ers' competition for third on the depth chart. That said, a lot can change over the final two weeks of the preseason, especially once Alfred Morris -- who didn't receive a carry after joining the team earlier this week -- enters the fray.
Aug 19, 2018 4:37 PM EST
Williams carried the ball 11 times for 27 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason win over Dallas. He added 15 receiving yards on two receptions.
Analysis: Williams didn't have a strong game from a yards per carry standpoint, but he received positive reviews in camp for an improved work ethic following a disappointing rookie year in 2017. The 24-year-old has been competing with Raheem Mostert for No. 3 on the 49ers' depth chart in camp, but Matt Breida's shoulder injury could elevate that competition to the primary backup role if the running back is forced to miss extended time.
Aug 10, 2018 4:53 AM EST
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