5 X-factors that determine if 49ers beat Rams to make Super Bowl

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Trent Williams, Daniel Brunskill, Aaron Donald, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) and offensive guard Daniel Brunskill (60) against Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) and linebacker Justin Hollins (58) Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

X-Factor No. 4: 49ers need Trent Williams on the field

Right tackle Trent Williams suffered an ankle injury during the 49ers’ win over the Packers and was seen walking on crutches after the game.

Fortunately, X-rays revealed it wasn’t a fracture, and the Niners brass is hopeful the perennial Pro Bowler and No. 1 tackle in the NFL right now will at least be capable enough to play against LA this Sunday.

He better be.

Los Angeles boasts one of the more formidable outside pass-rushing units in the league, led by EDGE Leonard Floyd and supplemented by the midseason acquisition of fellow EDGE Von Miller. In tandem with regular first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the Rams amassed a whopping 50 sacks on the year.

Williams has missed practice this week. But even at 50 percent, he’d be a clear-cut upgrade over any of San Francisco’s backup tackles, players such as Colton McKivitz or Jaylon Moore.

If Williams is healthy enough to take the field and stay there, it’d be a massive boost to the 49ers’ pass-protecting hopes.