Ian Williams has said that he found it difficult to watch the 2013 NFL season while sidelined with injury.

The San Francisco 49ers nose tackle missed the majority of the campaign after breaking his ankle in the second game of the regular season.

The 24-year-old told the team's website: "It was hard. I'm not going to sugarcoat it or anything like that. It was hard not being able to contribute.

"But in the long run, while I was home watching the games, I was able to think about a lot and get ready for next season."

Williams is expected to be ready for the start of the NFC West side's training camp in July.