The San Francisco 49ers know all too well just how susceptible they are to devastating injuries, already well in the league lead in losing key players to serious setbacks not halfway through the season.
And the Niners also know too well just how much a bad reputation the field at MetLife Stadium has for causing devastating injuries.
Rewind back to 2020 when defensive ends Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas both suffered season-ending ACL tears on the same field, and that reputation hasn't ceased even though San Francisco's trip that year is five years in the past.
So, it makes sense why the 49ers would be leery about their Week 9 contest against the two-win New York Giants, not so much because of the G-Men's prowess but rather the playing surface.
In light of the way things have gone for the Niners this season on the injury front, it seemed inevitable at least someone would suffer a serious injury at MetLife.
And they almost made it through four quarters without a scary injury.
Almost.
Mykel Williams falls victim to MetLife's notorious injury reputation in win over Giants
San Francisco likely exercised precaution concerning quarterback Brock Purdy, whose turf-toe injury has kept him out of action since Week 4. Even though the No. 1 signal-caller was listed as questionable, Mac Jones ultimately got yet another start, leading the 49ers to the 34-24 win.
About the only injury scare up until the final minutes of Week 9 was when the CBS Sports broadcast reported rookie defensive back Upton Stout out with a concussion, except Stout was very much available and made a tackle shortly after the announcement, and another when tight end George Kittle limped off the field with what appeared to be a minor leg injury. He returned shortly thereafter.
But rookie defensive end Mykel Williams went down on his left knee with just under four minutes remaining on an attempt to sack Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Clearly in a lot of pain and down on the ground, the 2025 first-round pick ultimately got up and walked off the field gingerly under his own power.
Fans will likely know more once Williams and the 49ers make their way back to the Bay Area, hoping the news on the rookie is positive when better determined on Monday.
For the Niners to escape MetLife without any other serious injuries while pulling off a commanding win at the tail end of a two-game road trip, it's obviously a good sign and one they'll happily take.