Soft-tissue injuries have been something of a theme for the San Francisco 49ers early in training camp, befalling a number of key players in advance of the team's exhibition opener next week.
Already missing Brandon Aiyuk as he rehabs from last year's torn ACL and MCL, the wide receiver position is notably thin with fellow wideouts Jauan Jennings (calf), Jacob Cowing (hamstring) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) all nursing injuries and missing practice time.
Additionally, at any point a first-round NFL Draft rookie like defensive end Mykel Williams (ankle) misses portions of camp with an injury, it'll garner headlines.
Injuries have already forced the Niners to make some substantial moves to the back end of their 90-man camp roster.
But, thankfully enough, there's at least some good news on the horizon.
49ers welcome back 3 key players to practice from injury
San Francisco sat Williams and Pearsall earlier in the week because of injuries and to guard against further aggravation.
But, on Thursday's camp sessions, both players were able to take the field. Joining them, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows, is offensive lineman Ben Bartch, who started off camp on the non-football injury list but figures to be the prime candidate to start at left guard:
Back at practice for the 49ers today:
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) July 31, 2025
G Ben Bartch
DE Mykel Williams
WR Ricky Pearsall
It's seemingly minor news. But, especially with Pearsall and Williams, there's a hint both players aren't dealing with chronic injuries, especially the latter who dealt with ankle issues for all of his collegiate-finale 2024 campaign at Georgia.
San Francisco is still likely to go slow with all three players, getting Bartch back up to speed after he missed the first week-plus of camp.
Considering the lofty draft investments in both Pearsall and Williams, it wouldn't be a shocker to see those two players get an occasional rest/recovery day sprinkled in between now and the conclusion of the preseason, too.
Still, it's welcomed news to have all three players back in the fray.