SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The ailing inside of the San Francisco 49ers‘ defensive position is lastly getting some reinforcements.
The Niners formally activated defensive deal with Javon Kinlaw from the injured reserve record Friday, making him eligible to play Saturday towards the Washington Commanders. Kinlaw has been out since Week 3 with continued swelling in his surgically repaired proper knee.
To make room on the roster, the 49ers waived linebacker Curtis Robinson. On Thursday, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan advised Kinlaw can be out there to play towards the Commanders after trying to be in form throughout the follow week.
“I count on him to be up,” Shanahan stated. “He had an actual good Thursday follow that was on a Wednesday and every thing was mild at this time, however he had a very good week, no setbacks and I am actual excited to see him on the market.”
With Kinlaw’s activation, the 49ers have now used seven of a attainable eight injured reserve activations this season. The eighth and closing spot is being saved for the potential return of working again Elijah Mitchell, who’s recovering from a sprained MCL in his left knee.
Kinlaw’s return is a welcome sight for a Niners defensive position that has been piecing collectively totally different combos on the inside for a lot of the season. Amongst defensive tackles alone, Kevin Givens is out with a sprained knee, Hassan Ridgeway is on injured reserve due to a pectoral harm, Kerry Hyder Jr. has been battling an ankle situation and Maurice Hurst has been out all season with a torn biceps.
Arik Armstead just lately returned from foot and ankle points and, with Kinlaw again within the combine, the Niners may have their projected beginning tackles collectively for the primary time since Week 2.
The No. 14 decide within the 2020 NFL draft, Kinlaw has handled persistent proper knee points since he entered the league. He had surgical procedure on the knee in late October of 2021. He returned in good condition to start out this yr’s camp and opened the season because the starter alongside Armstead earlier than the knee flared up once more.
However Kinlaw says he is feeling good and excited to be within the combine for San Francisco’s stretch run and into the postseason.
“I am lastly going to be a part of one thing particular,” Kinlaw stated Tuesday. “I am excited. I could not be happier to do it with this group of men.”