Takkarist McKinley failed a physical with the Bengals this week, prompting Cincinnati to waive the defensive end after recently claiming him. That didn't deter the San Francisco 49ers from putting in a second claim for the defender. In fact, the Niners don't see it as a problem, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
"They'll have to assess the groin and see when he can play," reports Rapoport via Twitter, "but they are good with where he stands physically."
One note: While Takk McKinley was failed on a physical in Cincy for a groin injury, my understanding is the #49ers are OK with it. They'll have to assess the groin and see when he can play, but they are good with where he stands physically. https://t.co/xWMrXdyJBH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2020
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, McKinley feels more confident that he will pass his physical with the 49ers.
Takk McKinley, an Oakland native, is pleased to go back to the Bay Area after getting claimed by 49ers, and I'm told he's more confident he will pass this physical (failed with Bengals this week). He's been dealing with a groin issue. Every team has different evaluations.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 18, 2020
The 49ers' defensive line has been devastated by injuries this season. A strength last season during the team's Super Bowl run is almost unrecognizable now.
Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas will not return this season after suffering ACL injuries during Week 2. Dee Ford has not played since Week 1. Ronald Blair remains on the physically-unable-to-perform list, where he has been since the start of the season. DeForest Buckner? He's in Indianapolis doing impressive Buckner-type things. Arik Armstead led the team last season with 10 sacks. He has 1.5 this season.
The 49ers hope McKinley can provide the struggling defensive line a boost. But more than anything else, the team needs healthy bodies out on the field if it hopes to make any type of run during the final six games of the season.
The Falcons drafted McKinley out of UCLA with the No. 26 overall pick in 2017. He has registered seven tackles, a sack, and a pass defensed through four games and 85 snaps this season. However, the defensive end managed to rack up 13 sacks in his first two NFL seasons.
McKinley has registered 79 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, 17.5 sacks, 45 quarterback hits, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during his four NFL seasons.
