The 49ers won’t have nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams for at least two weeks according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Branch reported Williams sustained a Grade 1 calf strain.
Williams missed the last two days of training camp with a calf injury and had an MRI Monday to determine its severity.
A two-to-three week timeline should allow Williams to get back on the field before Week 1. San Francisco opens their season about four weeks from when Williams suffered his calf strain.
The good news for the 49ers is Williams won’t miss much without on-field work. He’s been in their defense for three years so he shouldn’t have trouble adapting to any tweaks defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and the coaching staff implement. There may be some concern about conditioning though if he’s unable to get a full week of practice in before playing in a game.
Williams was one of the unheralded stars of the 49ers’ No. 1-ranked pass defense last season. He tied for the team lead with two interceptions and was one of the best slot corners in the league during a time when covering receivers inside is paramount to slowing down pass-heavy offenses.
If the 49ers don’t have Williams for the first week, we may see Emmanuel Moseley slide inside with Ahkello Witherspoon or Jason Verrett lining up outside. Williams’ status will be something to keep a close eye on leading up to the season opener on Sept. 13 vs. the Cardinals.
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