San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Friday morning for his regular weekly interview, providing injury updates on a couple of key offensive linemen.
Tackle Trent Williams fought through this past Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, still managing the lingering effects of the ankle injury that kept him out of two games.
After the 34-3 victory, the offensive lineman noted, "I don't think I took a step back. Definitely didn't get any better. But I think I'm close to 75, 80 percent. I think I'm still around there."
While his teammates practiced on Wednesday, Williams had his typical day off. However, he returned on Thursday and was a full participant in practice, a notable improvement from his limited participation the previous week.
"He had a significant ankle injury that took some time to get back," Lynch said on the "Murph and Mac" show. "And playing in that position, just watching what those guys do, I don't care if you're as talented as Trent, you have to put your feet and cleats in the ground against big people, and that's tough.
"But sometimes, if you can just get out there, play the game, you actually come out a little better. And that seems to have been the case with Trent."
Lynch noted that Williams looked good on Wednesday and Thursday. The offensive lineman likely did some side work on the first day, as the 49ers reported that he did not practice.
Acknowledging Williams' impact, Lynch emphasized, "So we feel really good about where Trent's at, and it was tough playing without him. Jaylon Moore did a really nice job, but Trent Williams is Trent Williams. He even just provides confidence when he's out there. Every now and then, when you need some of that, you just look at those dudes, and there are certain guys that, man, that guy's on our side. That gives you some confidence. And Trent's certainly one of those guys."
Shifting attention to the other end of the offensive line, tackle Colton McKivitz sustained ankle and knee injuries in Sunday's game. Despite being a limited practice participant throughout the week, Lynch expressed optimism about McKivitz's availability for the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"Yeah, he looks good," Lynch said. "I mean, he's practiced. I'm sure he's hurting. Colton's a tough dude, and it's going to take a lot to get him out of there. I think we were fortunate.
"He got rolled up in those piles that happen in there, and so I think we were fortunate that he came out like he did. And Colton is very tough, so he's practiced, and I think he should be good to go."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
