When defensive lineman Leonard Williams injured his ankle in the second half of Week 4, Seattle Seahawks fans were right to hold their collective breath. Few players are as valuable to what head coach Mike Macdonald wants to do defensively as Williams.
But Williams doesn't get hurt often, and returns quickly when he does. Thankfully, after being limited in practice on Wednesday and missing practice on Thursday, he returned to being a full participant on Friday. He will start and play in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, the team that currently leads the NFC West.
As long as Williams is close to being fully healthy, he should have an impact on the game and help his teams get pressure on quarterback Brock Purdy. That sounds simple enough, of course, but Purdy hasn't been sacked in four games so far. If any team can do it, it should be Seattle, but getting pressure will be a challenge for Macdonald and his defense.
The Seattle Seahawks expect to have Leonard Williams healthy for Week 5
Other than Williams playing, Seattle will be missing three players. That includes running backs Zach Charbonnet (knee) and Jadarian Price (chest). Price is on injured reserve and will miss at least the next three games. Fellow RB George Holani is questionable with injuries to both his knees and ribs.
Cornerback Julian Neal (hamstring) and linebacker Chazz Surratt (calf) are both out.
For the 49ers, edge rusher Nick Bosa (knee and calf), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee), defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. (ankle), and safety Marques Sigle (ankle) are out. A bunch of players are questionable. Juszczyk being out somewhat changes the 49ers' offense, though. He is arguably the best player at his position in the NFL, and fundamental to what Kyle Shanahan tries to do offensively.
Leonard Williams injury history:
- September 2022 - MCL sprain (missed three games)
- December 2022 - Neck strain (missed two games)
- September 2024 - Rib bruise (missed one game)
- October 2026 - Ankle injury (no games missed)
The injury in September 2022 ended a run of 114 straight starts for Williams. He has stayed remarkably healthy throughout his career, and he obviously, based on his ankle issue, can play through pain.
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