The 49ers Will Go as Far as Trent Williams Takes Them

The 49ers officially list Trent Williams as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars. But I'm guessing he almost certainly will play, because it's a must-win game, and the 49ers can't seem to win without him.

Their current three-game losing streak coincides with Williams' current ankle injury. He suffered at the beginning of the 49ers' loss to the Browns, played the rest of the game and then missed the past two losses. Now he's had a bye week to recover, but was still limited in this week's practices. Meaning he's not fully recovered. And he may never fully recover this season. Who knows?

The fate of the 49ers' season rests on Williams' injured ankle.

They've put together an incredibly talented roster -- one of the most talented ones in the NFL. It's deep and loaded at every position group except one -- the offensive line. It's Trent Williams, and a bunch of players who make near the veteran minimum salary. Once Williams goes away, the 49ers suddenly have the cheapest, weakest offensive line in the NFL.

It's hard to beat anyone with Jaylon Moore, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford and Colton McKivitz as a starting offensive line. Both sides of the line are liabilities in the run game and the pass game. There's nothing that group does well.

With Williams, the 49ers at least have a run game to his side, plus arguably the greatest pass protector ever. He makes that big of a difference. But he's 35, and he's breaking down. If he misses significant time this season, the 49ers will miss the playoff.

Let's see how Williams holds up.