49ers may show interest in WR Javon Walker

NFL Network's analytics expert, Cynthia Frelund, recently went around the NFC and named one player for each team who she projects as its most improved player. "Using my forward-looking data models, I've identified one player from each NFL team who projects to see such an uptick in 2021 based on their performance trajectory and the scheme they'll be playing in this season," wrote Frelund. Second-year defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw is that player for the San Francisco 49ers. The nearly 320-pound defender's rookie statistics weren't overly impressive. However, his game film and work in the trenches often showed much potential, setting him up as a good choice for Frelund's pick. "Kinlaw's official rookie stat line: 1.5 sacks, 19 pressures, three TFLs,

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was among the players not on the field for team drills when the San Francisco 49ers conducted their first training camp practice earlier today. The team plans to ease him back into a normal workload after the second-year defender underwent multiple procedures on his knee this offseason. Kinlaw had what was described as a "clean-up procedure" performed on his knee following last season. More recently, he underwent a minor procedure to reduce some swelling in the knee. Unfortunately, that limited what he could do during practice today. "He had, traveling and stuff like a month ago or something, [his knee] just swelled up a little bit," Shanahan told reporters after practice. "I don't know whether they drained it or not. I'll get it

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans spoke with reporters after training camp practice today. Here is everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Two training camp practices in. What kind of feel do you get for your defensive unit? "I think our guys are really first day, they did a really good job going out today. I thought the energy and the tempo of practice, just the guys flying around, having fun. I thought that was much better today. You can just, you can see it, see the difference on the field. So I just love the way our guys play. I want him to play fast. I want them to play fun, play for each other, and I felt that enthusiasm on the field today. So

"I have no injury," wrote San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw via an Instagram story. Out of an abundance of caution on the part of the team, Kinlaw has been limited in practices this week, working in individual drills but not in team drills. Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters on Wednesday that the former first-round pick recently underwent a procedure to reduce the swelling in his knee, indicating that it was related to the "clean-up procedure" Kinlaw underwent after last season. "He had, traveling and stuff like a month ago or something, [his knee] just swelled up a little bit," Shanahan said. "I don't know whether they drained it or not. I'll get it exactly for you guys tomorrow. But just a minor thing. And so, he had to stay off of it