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SANTA CLARA -– Nose tackle Ian Williams won the starting job over Glenn Dorsey at the beginning of last season.
And, now, coach Jim Harbaugh observes that Williams looks even better on the practice field than he did before he sustained a fractured left lower leg in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks.
[MAIOCCO: 49ers hopeful for Dorsey's late-season return]
When asked how Williams has looked since his return from physically unable to perform, Harbaugh said, “Better than I thought he would. He’s looked good right from the beginning, right from the first day he was out there.”
Williams was cleared to return to practice last week but was held out of the 49ers’ exhibition game against the Denver Broncos. He is expected to see some action on Sunday at Levi's Stadium against the San Diego Chargers in the 49ers’ third preseason game.
[MAIOCCO: 49ers' Bethea likely to be cleared, held out of Sunday's game]
Harbaugh described what he has seen to conclude Williams looks better.
“Just in the movement, in the quickness, the burst of separation, driving to the ball,” Harbaugh said. “He looks better than before. That’s what I’ve seen so far.”
