49ers wide receiver Kyle Williams sustained a torn ACL to his left knee against the Saints yesterday and confirmed that he will be out for the remainder of the season. He sustained the injury while blocking against the Saints, during a play in which running back Kendall Hunter came away with a sprained ankle. Hunter will miss some time, but his season is not over.
Williams has been one of the exciting comeback stories for the 49ers this season. After two turnovers on punts during the NFC Championship against the New York Giants last year, he has turned things around with a very productive offseason. As a result, he has earned a top role with the team this season. Williams was used as a slot receiver when the 49ers went with three wide receivers. He caught 14 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown. He also averaged 13.0 yards on four punt returns, and was the 49ers’ leading kickoff returner with a 27.2 average on 13 returns.
The injuries to Williams and Hunter may open the door for 49ers top draft picks, receiver A.J. Jenkins and running back LaMichael James, to get their season debuts. Stay tuned to see some adjustments made on the field…and not just at the quarterback position.
