49ers inactives vs. Commanders: Javon Kinlaw is back from IR

The 49ers welcome back Javon Kinlaw from injured reserve, and he’ll be ready for Week 16’s game against the visiting Commanders.

The San Francisco 49ers haven’t had their top pick from the 2020 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, since Week 3 of the season.

Kinlaw, who has dealt with knee issues for much of his brief pro carer, was again beset by knee injuries early in the year and subsequently ended up on injured reserve back at a point when the Niners were 1-2 on the season.

Heading into their Week 16 matchup at home against the 7-6-1 Washington Commanders, it might actually be a good thing for Kinlaw to make his return.

True, San Francisco’s top-ranked defense got by pretty well without Kinlaw during that lengthy stretch between Weeks 4 and 15, but injuries to fellow defensive linemen Hassan Ridgeway, Kevin Givens and Kerry Hyder will test the D-line depth.

Kinlaw’s return alleviates that while also providing some much-needed interior thump against a Washington offense that has struggled to reach even 20 points per game this season.

In a corresponding move to make room for Kinlaw off IR, the 49ers parted ways with linebacker Curtis Robinson.

Even though Kinlaw will be active for the game, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s on a snap count to ease him back into the defensive rotation.

49ers Week 16 inactives vs. Commanders

With Kinlaw active, the Niners can feel a bit easier about not having Ridgeway (on IR) or Givens and Hyder, who were ruled out for Week 16’s contest.

San Francisco named the following players inactive for Saturday’s bout against the Commanders:

• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• WR Deebo Samuel
• DT Kevin Givens
• DT Kerry Hyder
• EDGE Drake Jackson
• OL Nick Zakelj
• TE Ross Dwelley

Read More: 49ers vs. Commanders: Latest injury report, betting lines and how to watch 

Garoppolo and Samuel haven’t been placed on IR, and it’s not likely they’ll be put there unless their respective injuries are indeed determined to be of the season-ending variety.

Running back Jordan Mason (hamstring) and cornerback Charvarius Ward (concussion) were both questionable on the 49ers’ injury report heading into the weekend, but both appear healthy enough to play.

The Niners kick off against the Commanders on Saturday, Dec. 24 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.