49ers news: Javon Kinlaw expected to return from injury soon

The 49ers have been without Javon Kinlaw since Week 3, but signs are pointing toward him making a return from what’s been a nagging knee injury.

It’s a good thing the San Francisco 49ers spent so much effort in recent seasons stockpiling their defensive line. And while big-name players like Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead receive the bulk of the attention, a good number of B-list contributors have also stepped up in a big way.

Some of those players have helped alleviate the lengthy absence of one of those big-name players, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who hasn’t played since Week 3 because of a knee injury.

Kinlaw has dealt with knee issues dating back to his time in college, and it’s a fair assumption to question the Niners’ decision to take him in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

However, with San Francisco more concerned about pushing deep into the playoffs this year, the No. 1 priority is getting Kinlaw back in the lineup.

Even though that defense still ranks No. 1 in the NFL in points against and has given up the fewest rush yards per carry (3.4) entering Week 15.

49ers hope Javon Kinlaw practices soon, could return to lineup

Going back to a number of reserve linemen like Hassan Ridgeway and Kerry Hyder, the 49ers’ depth has largely been able to absorb Kinlaw’s absence, as well as Armstead being out for a lengthy period of time because of foot and ankle injuries.

Armstead is back now, but Ridgeway just landed on injured reserve with a pectoral injury.

Read More: Javon Kinlaw must enact fierce retribution in 2022

Kinlaw, who is eligible to return from IR, could have his practice window activated this week, and that’s the plan, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

“As long as the rehab keeps going well, we expect to start his window up this week in practice,” Shanahan said, via 49ers Webzone.

The Niners have only two spots to return players off of IR, and it seems as if Kinlaw is a top candidate to return.