SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Of the many injuries the San Francisco 49ers endured in 2016, one of the biggest was also one that didn't receive much attention.
Before training camp even began, Ian Williams, the team's best run-stuffing defensive tackle, suffered an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve and, eventually, his release with a settlement in October.
Williams never had a chance to speak with the media before his departure and has been mostly silent since. But with the new NFL league year starting on Thursday, Williams took to Twitter to offer some thoughts and answer some questions about what happened after fans inquired about a possible return.
Suffice to say, Williams doesn't have much interest in such a reunion.
The way I was thrown to the curb, in my time of need. I wouldn't want to come back & play for that as much as I want to be back w/ my Dline https://t.co/Y38Voz5pn9
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) March 9, 2017
But Williams also wanted to make clear that any lingering hard feelings aren't directed at the franchise as a whole or its fans. He even had positive things to say about the changes to the football operation.
Love the fans and the new front office. Just worrying about being able to run around with my kids when I'm older. https://t.co/Wwu2kN7hvC
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) March 9, 2017
From his comments, it's pretty clear Williams had an issue with how former general manager Trent Baalke handled his situation and let him go during the season rather than keeping him around to rehab and get healthy. Still, Williams' focus now is clearly on getting healthy and staying that way.
Haha I def want to strap up that gold helmet again with my boys but they know what I've been through & want to see me healthy over anything https://t.co/ZW5TeY9JWK
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) March 9, 2017
Joe is correct... and my beef was with a particular person who isn't there anymore, not the organization as a whole https://t.co/S9AcAVAphp
— Ian Williams (@IWilliams95) March 9, 2017
