San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw had a "procedure" performed on his right knee today, according to a photo posted via Instagram account, shared by @Coach_Yac on Twitter, and found by David Lombardi of The Athletic (h/t to Patrick Tulini).
Per Javon Kinlaw's IG, he went in for a procedure on his knee today. #49ers pic.twitter.com/RjCXHI4Brg
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) January 26, 2021
"This is obviously something to monitor," wrote Lombardi via Twitter, "since Kinlaw missed the final two games with a knee issue. Shanahan did say that was unrelated to the knee tendinitis that Kinlaw had dealt with in college, for what it's worth. That's all we know at this point."
This is obviously something to monitor, since Kinlaw missed the final two games with a knee issue. Shanahan did say that was unrelated to the knee tendinitis that Kinlaw had dealt with in college, for what it's worth. That's all we know at this point https://t.co/AbxxAENulb
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 26, 2021
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle adds that the procedure was "routine clean-up" and that a 49ers spokesman informed him that Kinlaw "is expected to be ready for the start of the offseason program in April." So, at this point, there doesn't appear to be any cause for concern.
The 49ers selected Kinlaw out of South Carolina last year with the No. 14 overall pick. He registered 33 tackles, three tackles for a loss, four quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, an interception, touchdown, and four passes defensed during his rookie campaign.
Kinlaw suffered an injury during Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys, forcing the defender to miss the final two games of the season.
"He's a big man," explained general manager John Lynch on January 4. "He came down really hard on his knee and it was a bone bruise, really, is what happened. Just the force of hitting the turf. Felt like we had a chance to get him back that week. The swelling just remained and it was stubborn."
