49ers assessment: Williams on potential Week 1 starter Colby, 'fantastic' McCaffrey 

San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams spoke to reporters after Thursday's practice, the team's final session before its preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams likely won't suit up on Saturday, as most starters are expected to rest. However, rookie offensive lineman Connor Colby will likely be on the field at right guard.

With second-year lineman Dominick Puni sidelined by a knee sprain suffered against the Las Vegas Raiders, Colby could also find himself in the starting lineup for W eek 1 when the 49ers visit the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

Williams praised the seventh-round draft pick, who has impressed during the preseason.

"Connor's coming along really well," Williams said. "I really like him. I like him as a draft [pick]. I like his ability, his size. Just a real, stoic, laid-back kid, and he's just getting better every day. He's improving."

Colby began training camp competing for the left guard spot, but Puni's injury forced him to shift to the right side in preparation for a possible starting role.

"Early on, when I got out here, it probably would've been tough going from right to left or left to right," Colby recently told NBC Sports Bay Area. "But I think now I know what they're looking for.

"It's not as hard to switch positions anymore because I've played right guard before, and I got a lot of reps at left guard early on in camp. An d now, switching back to right, it feels like home over there."

Dominick Puni working his way back

There's still a chance Puni could play in Week 1 as he continues to rehab his injury, with more than two weeks to recover. Does Williams think the time away from practice will significantly set Puni back?

"No, I don't," Williams said. "And the only reason I say that is because he's had a great deal of work this offseason, this camp, and he's made tremendous steps. You can tell he really focused this offseason, and improving the little things that Coach challenged him on. So no, I don't think it affects him as much, just because he's had a few weeks of camp, and he's kind of already knocked that little summer rust off.

"Puny's extremely hard-working. I know he's going to att ack the rehab just as he attacks the field, so I expect to get him back fully healthy, ready to go, and not really missing a step."

Christian McCaffrey looks 'fantastic'

Williams was also asked about Christian McCaffrey, who is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2024 season that limited him to just four games. The star running back appears ready to return to form in 2025.

"Obviously, y'all got eyes like I do," Williams told reporters. "Christian looks fantastic. He looks like Offensive Player of the Year Christian. That's really, really refreshing to see, knowing what he had to deal with last year, just the little nicks and knacks, and not being able to do what he loves."

McCaffrey missed the start of last season due to Achilles tendinitis. He missed the end with a PCL injury. The running back has been healthy all offseason.

"To see him out there this year, 100% healthy, treating every play like it's his last, playing with his hair on fire, it really motivates the guys when you've got a generational talent like that, that brings it to work and in practice every day," Williams commented.