Williams touched by team’s support
Tight end George Kittle was worked up Friday on behalf of a teammate.
The issue? Left tackle Trent Williams was behind many of his peers in the Pro Bowl fan voting.
“The fact that Trent Williams is eighth in the Pro Bowl voting is insane,” Kittle said. “… The lack of respect Trent Williams gets is outrageous.”
Guess what happened Monday? Williams received the most votes at his position in the final Pro Bowl fan voting. To be clear, Kittle’s stumping didn’t have an impact: Fan voting ended Thursday, a day before Kittle spoke up for Williams, 33, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection having a dominant season.
However, when asked Tuesday about Kittle pleading his case, Williams was genuinely touched while noting others have offered similar support throughout his two seasons with the 49ers.
“The support that I get from the locker room, it’s unreal,” Williams said. “It definitely takes me back a little bit to have people that will stand on the table and argue on my behalf. … To see my teammates and the guys that I look at as brothers and family, to take their time when they could be promoting themselves and throw me in the mix, it’s heartwarming.”
Added Williams of Kittle: “He’s the best tight end in the world. But he’s an even better teammate.”
Final Pro Bowl rosters will be announced Wednesday. Votes from fans, players and coaches each count one-third toward determining rosters.
Bosa’s candidacy: Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans repeated what he stated a week earlier: Edge rusher Nick Bosa should receive consideration for Defensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
Bosa is tied for third in the NFL with 15 sacks and has an NFL-high 18 tackles for loss a season after suffering a major knee injury.
Williams showed he’s also adept at supporting his teammates.
“When you look at the NFL right now, who would you take over Nick Bosa?” Williams said. “To me, he’s playing some of the best football of anyone in the NFL from the edge position. I feel sorry for other tackles, I really do. … If you were to go into a lab and create a pass rusher, Nick Bosa would walk out.”
Injury report: Running back
Elijah Mitchell (knee), safety
Talanoa Hufanga (knee), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (groin) and defensive tackle
Maurice Hurst (calf ) did not participate in the 49ers’ early evening practice at Levi’s Stadium. Linebacker Azeez AlShaair (elbow) and safety
Jaquiski Tartt (ankle) were limited . ... Running back Trey Sermon (ankle), who remains on injured reserve, participated after the 49ers opened his practice window earlier in the day.