5 unavoidable takeaways from 49ers’ Week 3 loss to Broncos

49ers takeaway vs. Broncos No. 3: Losing Trent Williams is massive

Remember that Jimmy Garoppolo safety? As bad as that play ways, Garoppolo’s actions weren’t the worst part of it.

Simultaneously, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams was rolled up during the play and suffered a high-ankle sprain as a result. And while he was able to walk off the field (albeit gingerly) under his own power, the prospects for a quick recovery and return don’t look good.

Second-year lineman Jaylon Moore gave up a sack to Garoppolo on the first pass snap in relief of Williams, leading to Moore being replaced by fellow backup Colton McKivitz.

Rewinding back to training camp where there appeared to be a clear void for an adequate swing tackle to support both Williams and Mike McGlinchey, the likely multi-week absence of Williams going forward is about the last thing the 49ers needed as they try to correct what’s been a struggling offense the first three weeks.

Denver took full advantage of Williams’ absence, too, and it’s likely the Niners’ future opponents will copy that blueprint going forward.