SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers’ injury curse struck again Monday, confirming the worst fears of a franchise already battered by misfortune. Rookie defensive end Mykel Williams, the first-round phenom selected 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Georgia, has been diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee, ending his season after a heartbreaking injury in Sunday’s 34-24 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who expressed dread postgame, called it “a gut punch,” marking the second season-ending ACL tear on the 49ers’ defensive line this year and amplifying a crisis that has tested the team’s resilience.
The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter, with the 49ers leading 31-17. Williams, who had just registered a quarterback hit on Giants QB Daniel Jones, collapsed without contact during a pass rush on third down. He walked off under his own power but was visibly distraught, pounding his helmet in frustration as trainers tended to him. Initial concerns pointed to a hyperextended knee, but Monday’s MRI revealed the full tear. “We’re worried it’s an ACL, but you never know until tomorrow,” Shanahan said Sunday. The confirmation came swiftly, with Williams joining Nick Bosa (Week 3 ACL tear vs. Cardinals) on the shelf, alongside Fred Warner (hamstring, out indefinitely) and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring, IR).
Williams, 21, burst onto the scene as the 49ers’ top pass-rush prospect, logging 16 tackles (9 solo), 4 sacks, and 12 TFLs in nine games, tying for the team lead in QB hits (8). His disruptive presence — including a strip-sack in Week 4 vs. Rams — helped stabilize a line decimated early. “Mykel’s a vital part of the defense,” OT Trent Williams said Sunday. “We’re praying it’s not an ACL. But if it is, it’s next-man-up league.” Shanahan echoed: “I’m real happy with Mykel. We’d pick him No. 11 again. He fought through camp knee issues to start.”
The 49ers (6-3, 1st NFC West) now face a pass rush ranked 22nd (14 sacks through Week 9), with rookies like Darrell Luter Jr. and veterans Robert Beal Jr. stepping up. GM John Lynch hinted at trade deadline action (hours away): “We’re active — this hurts, but it lights a fire.” Recent acquisition Keion White (from Patriots) could see expanded snaps, but Hendrickson rumors swirl.
Fan reaction poured in: #PrayForMykel trended #1 with 1.2M posts, Faithful sharing clips of his Week 1 fumble-forcing debut. “Heartbroken for the kid,” tweeted Richard Sherman. Jerry Rice: “Fight like you play, young blood. Bay’s got you.”
Williams’ journey from Georgia (2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Year) to NFL starter was meteoric, but MetLife’s turf — site of Bosa’s 2020 ACL tear — strikes again. Recovery timeline: 9-12 months, targeting 2026 camp. “Devastating,” Shanahan said. “But he’s tough — he’ll be back better.”
For a 49ers dynasty chasing Super Bowl LIX, this tests depth. With McCaffrey questionable (Achilles), Purdy’s return key, the Faithful rally: “Next man up — for Mykel!”
