Tackle Trent Williams fought through this past Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, still managing the lingering effects of the ankle injury that kept him out of two games.
After the 34-3 victory, the offensive lineman noted, "I don't think I took a step back. Definitely didn't get any better. But I think I'm close to 75, 80 percent. I think I'm still around there."
While his teammates practiced on Wednesday, Williams had his typical day off. However, he returned on Thursday and was a full participant in practice, a notable improvement from his limited participation the previous week.
"He had a significant ankle injury that took some time to get back," Lynch said on the "Murph and Mac" show. "And playing in that position, just watching what those guys do, I don't care if you're as talented as Trent, you have to put your feet and cleats in the ground against big people, and that's tough.
"But sometimes, if you can just get out there, play the game, you actually come out a little better. And that seems to have been the case with Trent."
Lynch noted that Williams looked good on Wednesday and Thursday. The offensive lineman likely did some side work on the first day, as the 49ers reported that he did not practice.
Acknowledging Williams' impact, Lynch emphasized, "So we feel really good about where Trent's at, and it was tough playing without him. Jaylon Moore did a really nice job, but Trent Williams is Trent Williams. He even just provides confidence when he's out there. Every now and then, when you need some of that, you just look at those dudes, and there are certain guys that, man, that guy's on our side. That gives you some confidence. And Trent's certainly one of those guys."
Shifting attention to the other end of the offensive line, tackle Colton McKivitz sustained ankle and knee injuries in Sunday's game. Despite being a limited practice participant throughout the week, Lynch expressed optimism about McKivitz's availability for the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Yeah, he looks good," Lynch said. "I mean, he's practiced. I'm sure he's hurting. Colton's a tough dude, and it's going to take a lot to get him out of there. I think we were fortunate.
"He got rolled up in those piles that happen in there, and so I think we were fortunate that he came out like he did. And Colton is very tough, so he's practiced, and I think he should be good to go."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Where 49ers' Trent Williams landed in ESPN's offensive tackle rankings
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams is under contract through the 2027 season and has acknowledged that this will likely be the final deal of his NFL career. If that's the case, the 49ers can expect at least two more seasons of elite blindside protection for... -
Former 49ers WR Trent Taylor announces NFL retirement
Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor—a free agent—is calling it a career. His wife shared news of the player's NFL retirement via Instagram. Trent Taylor's wife announces the former #49ers WR's retirement on IG. pic.twitter.com/Mm7NH1UeGV— 49ers Webzone... -
49ers' Mykel Williams among NFL's second-year players facing the most pressure
For the San Francisco 49ers, the defensive front was once a strength of the team, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and overwhelming offensive lines. That wasn't the case last season, however, as the unit recorded just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. Determined... -
49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling named Offensive Rookie of the Year sleeper
The San Francisco 49ers used their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—No. 33 overall—on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, an intriguing playmaker out of Ole Miss who could quickly earn a role in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Of course, Stribling will have to climb the...