The 49ers should be getting some reinforcements on the interior of their defensive line soon. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who has been on IR since the middle of October, is expected to return to practice when the 49ers begin their Week 16 preparations.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently indicated Kinlaw was nearing a return, but Friday Shanahan said the club anticipates opening the third-year DL’s three-week practice window ahead of their game vs. the Commanders.
“Yes, as long as the rehab keeps going well, we expect to start his window up this week of practice,” Shanahan said.
With San Francisco playing Saturday afternoon, their week gets moved up a day so their first practice will take place Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
Kinlaw had reconstructive ACL surgery last season that limited him to only four games. This year he played in just three contests before his knee started bothering him and forced him out of action again.
San Francisco took it slow with Kinlaw after initial indications seemed to lean toward a much earlier return than Week 16. The 49ers will certainly take the help on the defensive line now though. They’re down Hassan Ridgeway and Kevin Givens who were both instrumental in replacing Kinlaw after he went down. Ridgeway has a pec injury and is on IR likely for the rest of the year. Givens is dealing with a knee injury he suffered in Week 14.
The 49ers and Commanders kick off at 1:05pm PT on Dec. 24 at Levi’s Stadium.
