Trent Williams left Sunday’s game against the Bears with a hamstring injury. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams left Sunday’s showdown against the Chicago Bears with a hamstring injury, leaving the San Francisco 49ers without one of their most important players.
Williams was initially listed as questionable after leaving in the first quarter. But he was noticeably limping on the sideline and removed his gear to have a seat on the bench after spending several minutes undergoing evaluation in a sideline medical tent.
The injury, if significant, has the potential to impact the 49ers not just for Sunday’s game but as they attempt to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and into the playoffs. The severity of Williams’ injury wasn’t initially clear, but hamstrings have the potential to linger as multi-week injuries.
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A four-time All-Pro, Williams is one of the best to ever play his position. He earned his 12th Pro Bowl selection this season and remains one of the game’s best at 37 years old. He’s critical to San Francisco’s success in both the run and pass games.
San Francisco entered Sunday’s game already down a key offensive player with All-Pro tight end George Kittle sidelined by a sprained ankle. Kittle sustained the injury in Monday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts and was questionable on Sunday before being ruled out prior to kickoff.
The 49ers have plenty at stake over the remainder of their season. They entered Sunday’s game at 11-4, having already clinched a playoff berth. But with wins over the Bears Sunday night and next week against the Seattle Seahawks, they’d clinch the NFC West and No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs that comes with it.
The bye would be that much more valuable if Williams is facing a multi-week injury. It would also be more difficult to attain.