Though an Excellent Run Blocker, Age May Be A Factor for 49ers' Trent Williams

Trent Williams - SIC Score 89

In his second season with the 49ers, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams had the best season of his career. Pro Football Focus gave him a 97.8 overall grade for 2021 all while he battled injuries throughout the season. 

Williams missed the Week 7 game because of an ankle sprain as well as the must-win Week 18 game because of a right elbow injury. He then injured his ankle in the 49ers’ playoff win against the Packers. 

He was in crutches and limping after the game but played in the NFC championship loss against the Rams. Following the game, Williams said his ankle was in “pretty bad” shape.

The left tackle should be fully healthy this season. However, our team of Pro Football Docs gives Williams a SIC Score of 89 because of his age. 

Williams is willing to play through a lot of injuries, but it seems his body is beginning to break down. In an interview with ESPN in 2016, Williams said he will not let the most painful of injuries keep him on the sidelines.

For instance, he played through a torn medial patella-femoral ligament in his right knee for most of the 2017 season. He missed six games but insisted he could play through it though he did aggravate the injury Week 15, which led to surgery and an injury reserve designation. 

Additionally, Williams missed the entire 2019 battling cancer. He was officially declared cancer-free after two different surgeries. 

That health scare reinvigorated his love for football, with him saying: “I might be 40 trying to get in a stance.”

In his 11 years in the league, the left tackle is an eight-time Pro Bowler along with being named two-time All-Pro. As an excellent run-blocker, Williams will be pertinent in helping the 49ers transition into a more zone rushing offense with Trey Lance as quarterback.