The San Francisco 49ers activated defensive lineman Mykel Williams from the reserve/physically unable to perform list on Oct. 10. Williams returned to the field against the Seattle Seahawks the following day after recovering from a torn ACL. The move restored a former first-round pick to a defensive front dealing with several absences.
A first-round pick returns
Williams suffered the injury in Week 9 of the 2025 season and underwent surgery on Nov. 25. He started all nine games he played as a rookie, recording 20 tackles and one sack. San Francisco selected the former Georgia defender with the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The return followed two weeks of practice work, including full participation on the Friday before the Seattle game. San Francisco removed Williams' questionable designation when it activated him. The team then confirmed he was active for the Oct. 11 matchup, and its Oct. 12 morning report noted his return to the field.
Depth along the defensive front
Nick Bosa and James Thompson Jr. missed the Seattle game, making another available defensive lineman especially useful. Williams told the team's website that Bosa had helped him through the recovery process. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris also discussed Williams as an option against both the run and the pass.
San Francisco's Oct. 10 announcement included additional depth moves. The team signed Ogbo Okoronkwo to its practice squad and elevated Okoronkwo and tight end Jack Stoll for the Seattle game. Those transactions formed part of the weekend roster plan rather than a promise about future playing time.
The next step
The 49ers won 32–29 in Seattle and will host the Washington Commanders on Oct. 19. Williams' return gives San Francisco another defensive option as it prepares for that game. His role in the coming weeks will depend on the team's personnel decisions and subsequent game availability.
CSB Take
Getting Williams back is a meaningful step for San Francisco's depth. The next measure is how he contributes over a run of games, especially when the defensive front needs fresh options. The 49ers can welcome his return while allowing his on-field results to establish the size of his role.
