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Nose tackle Ian Williams, who sustained a fracture in his left lower leg on Sunday, will not require surgery and is expected to be out “a few weeks,” a source told CSNBayArea.com.
It is not known if the 49ers will ultimately decide to place Williams on injured reserve or keep him on the 53-man roster in hopes he can make a contribution later in the season.
The news is better for 49ers rookie wide receiver/return man Bruce Ellington, who sustained an ankle sprain.
He does not appear to be a candidate for injured reserve, according to a source. Ellington's injury occurred when he was tackled on a 2-yard punt return in the second quarter of Sunday's game.
With Ellington out of action, Perrish Cox returned two punts for 7 yards, and Carlos Hyde averaged 27.3 yards on three kickoff returns.
Quinton Dial played most of the snaps at nose tackle in the second half with Williams out of action. Also, veteran Glenn Dorsey could return for the 49ers this week.
Dorsey returned to practice two weeks ago after spending eight weeks on injured reserve/designated for return. He underwent surgery to repair a torn biceps in his left arm on Aug. 4.
Williams sustained his injury in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints. On his final play, he began hobbling as he was upright and being blocked by Saints right guard Jahri Evans while rushing the passer.
Williams sustained a season-ending fractured left lower leg in Week 2 last season against Seattle. He required four surgeries before returning early in training camp this summer.
