Report: Trent Williams Will Not Play Against the Bengals

Not good news for the 49ers.

Future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams will miss his second game in a row with a right ankle injury, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Trent Williams who was listed as questionable today is not expected to play against the Bengals, per sources. The team is hoping another week of rest followed by the bye week will help improve his ankle.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 29, 2023

In Williams' place, the 49ers will start Jaylon Moore, who has started six games in his career and given up three sacks. Moore will face Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals' top edge rusher who has 7 sacks in 6 games. Good luck, Jaylon.

Williams' absence will hurt the 49ers offense in two ways. First, it will cripple their running game. The 49ers' love running outside and to the left with Christian McCaffrey following Trent Williams downfield. That's how they get their biggest gains. Williams and McCaffrey are an excellent fit, because McCafrrey wants to get to the perimeter, and Williams is fast enough to get out there with him and clear a path.

Moore isn't. Moore is not a quality run blocker. So the 49ers will have to run up the middle in the A gap behind left guard Aaron Banks and center Jake Brendel. That's not what McCaffrey does best. Which means the 49ers should use backup running back Jordan Mason today. He's their most powerful back.

In addition, Williams' absence will hurt the 49ers' pass protection, obviously. In the past when Williams was out, Kyle Shanahan typically schemed up lots of jet sweeps and quick screen passes to Deebo Samuel, which would negate the pass rush. But Samuel is out, too. Shanahan will have to find other gadget players who can catch screens so Brock Purdy can get the ball out of his hands before Moore gets beat.

The 49ers offense is so much worse without Williams and Samuel. The 49ers hope both can return following the bye week.