49ers Fear Losing Star LT for Week 2 Showdown With Saints Amid Knee Injury Concerns
San Francisco, CA – September 12, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers could be forced to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 without their anchor on the offensive line. Veteran left tackle Trent Williams is battling a knee injury that has sidelined him in practice.
Williams left portions of last week’s opener against Seattle after showing visible discomfort, and while he managed to return, the 49ers have since limited his workload. Two consecutive missed practices now cast doubt over his availability on Sunday.
For the 49ers, Williams is more than a Pro Bowl left tackle — he’s the heartbeat of their offensive front. Since arriving in 2020, San Francisco’s record without him in the lineup has been noticeably weaker, a testament to his impact.
"I’ve been around long enough to know my body," Williams said earlier this week. "You never want to hurt the team by pushing too hard. The goal isn’t just Week 2, it’s making sure we’re ready for the long run."
San Francisco’s depth is already being tested. Quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle remain sidelined, while lineman Ben Bartch and receiver Jauan Jennings are also battling injuries. Losing Williams would only heighten the pressure.
Still, some within the organization believe caution could be the wiser approach. Allowing Williams to fully recover rather than risking further damage now could pay dividends when the season enters its toughest stretches.
The Saints present a formidable challenge with their defensive front, and protecting whoever lines up under center becomes far more complicated without Williams holding down the left side. For the 49ers, it’s a gamble either way.
As kickoff in New Orleans approaches, the decision looms large. Whether Williams suits up or not, the 49ers must adapt quickly — and fans know their hopes of contending rest heavily on the presence of their irreplaceable blindside protector.
Lamar Jackson Lights Up Ravens Camp with Sharp Passing as Stars Return from Injury
Baltimore, MD – August 20, 2025
The Ravens were back in full pads on Tuesday, and the session brought a mix of relief, progress, and ongoing questions as training camp rolled forward. The day was marked by several key returns, some notable absences, and another encouraging look at Lamar Jackson’s developing passing rhythm.
Veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins, sidelined recently with a knee issue, was back on the field in limited fashion, taking part in individual drills. Running back Keaton Mitchell, safety Kyle Hamilton, and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis all rejoined the full team after their own injury setbacks, giving Baltimore a welcome boost. Still, the list of absentees remained significant, with Jaire Alexander, Chidobe Awuzie, Patrick Ricard, and tight end Isaiah Likely among those still unavailable.
The spotlight, however, was squarely on the quarterback. Lamar Jackson continued to refine his chemistry with Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, working the ball outside the numbers with consistency. In team drills, Jackson connected on 15 of 19 throws during 11-on-11 sessions. In 7-on-7 work, he was nearly as sharp, going six for eight with crisp timing and placement.
Much of the work came against Baltimore’s reserve defenders, as the coaching staff used the opportunity to rotate matchups and manage workload for starters. Still, the efficiency was hard to ignore, a sign that Jackson’s comfort in the offense is building with each passing day.
For a team trying to balance health with preparation, Tuesday was a step in the right direction. Hopkins’ light participation hinted at progress, Hamilton’s presence steadied the secondary, and Mitchell’s energy injected speed into the backfield. The absences remain a concern, but the growing confidence of Jackson and his receivers offered an undeniable bright spot.
As camp presses on, the Ravens’ offense appears to be finding its footing at the right time, with Jackson steering a passing attack that looks increasingly dangerous when fully healthy.
