On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers face off in a pivotal division matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. It's the kind of game that can determine a division winner at the end of the season, as each team has won at least three of their first four games.
One of the most notable headlines is the return of 49ers edge rusher Mykel Williams, who will make his season debut after being activated from the PUP earlier this week. Williams was drafted 11th overall in 2025 out of Georgia and was expected to do big things in the San Francisco pass rush.
Not everything went as planned in his rookie year, though. He recorded just one sack in nine games before tearing his ACL and meniscus.
Kyle Shanahan was coy when asked about Williams' projected snap share:
"When [Williams is] out there, he'll be full go. So, we'll rotate our guys and understand it's his first game. We gotta see how it goes."
The answer was interesting, almost like he committed to giving the edge rusher a full workload, then walked it back so as not to talk himself into a bind in case things go astray. Regardless, fans are anticipating seeing what he can do at full strength.
Other notable 49ers injuries
Pass catcher Mike Evans appears good to go after being questionable last week with a rib injury. He was removed completely from this week's injury report, a sign that he is recovering from the ailment.
Cornerback Upton Stout suffered an AC joint sprain against the Denver Broncos. He logged a limited practice session on Thursday but was absent from Friday's open session, thus rendering him unlikely to play against Seattle.
Pass rusher Nick Bosa remains out, along with Kyle Juszczyk and Marques Sigle, who were both injured in Week 4.
49ers matchups to watch
Mykel Williams vs. Sam Darnold
Though he failed to prove it last year, Mykel Williams should be a cornerstone for the 49ers' pass rush this season. In his first game back, he gets a quarterback in Sam Darnold, who has struggled when under duress.
Williams has the ability to be a game changer early and often in Week 5, and his success might dictate how well Darnold is able to manage the Seattle offense. If he is able to get to the quarterback, it will do wonders for a defense that is already down members.
Mike Evans vs. Devon Witherspoon
Not only is Evans banged up, but he has to deal with the smothering Witherspoon all afternoon. The cornerback was graded the best out of all cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus last season and has started 2026 much like he left off the prior season. Thus far, Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin is the only wideout to surpass 60 receiving yards against the Seahawks.
Evans will have to work for every yard and could see a season-low in most statistical categories. A suboptimal performance would put pressure on Deebo Samuel and George Kittle to find space in the Seattle secondary.
Brock Purdy vs. Lumen Stadium
Purdy did not fare well in Seattle last season. He threw for 417 yards, had three picks, and was sacked three times in his two contests at Lumen Field. In short, Seattle's "12th man" was not kind to him.
Shanahan acknowledged as much when speaking in front of the press ahead of the game, as he exclaimed that the atmosphere "is as bad as it gets."
Purdy has been on a roll this year and is an early frontrunner for MVP. He'll need to tap into that mojo if he wishes to grind out another win in one of the harshest environments in football.
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