SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers spent the first half of the season accumulating wins and significant injuries that have sidelined some of the team's biggest stars.

The latest came on Sunday when first-round defensive end Mykel Williams went down with a season-ending knee injury late in a 34-24 victory over the New York Giants.

The win improved the Niners to 6-3 in a season that has seen them play without key players such as Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall for long stretches.

But those absences haven't derailed the season thanks to an improved defense under coordinator Robert Saleh, better special teams play and an offense reliant on star running back Christian McCaffrey.

There also has been the pleasant surprise in the play

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