{
  "id": 12748534,
  "title": "49ers DE Mykel Williams excited to get back on the field for 1st time since knee surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/49ers-de-mykel-williams-excited-to-get-back-on-the-field-for-1st-time-12748534",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T00:32:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/49ers-mykel-williams-excited-back-003228118.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams is thrilled to return to the field for the first time since undergoing knee surgery. Williams, who spent nearly a year recovering from a torn ligament, is ready to make his debut against the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. \"I'm going crazy,\" he said on Wednesday. \"I'm losing my mind. I'm ready to go. I'm excited to play ball. I miss playing ball. It's been nearly a year since I played, so I just want to get back on the field.\" The 49ers activated Williams from the physically unable to perform list recently, in time for their crucial matchup against the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. Key defensive players such as Nick Bosa, James Thompson Jr., Alfred Collins, C.J. West and Sam Okuayinonu are currently on injured reserve, leaving San Francisco struggling with just six sacks in the league. Williams, an 11th overall pick in 2025, made a significant impact in the run defense last season before his injury. When asked about his offseason improvements, Williams mentioned working on his get-off speed, pad level, hand usage and pass rush plan. He also shed weight by cutting down on sweets like ice cream and his favorite peach cobbler. The 49ers now hope these changes will help Williams get off the ball faster.",
  "summary": "(AP) — Defensive end Mykel Williams has spent nearly a year working his way back after a torn knee ligament cut short his rookie season for the San Francisco 49ers.The grueling rehab process is now complete and Williams is ready to make his return to the field on Sunday when the 49ers take on the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "49ers DE Mykel Williams excited to get back on the field for 1st time since knee surgery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/49ers-de-mykel-williams-excited-to-get-back-on-the-field-for-1st-time",
        "published": "2026-10-08T00:33:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}