The San Francisco 49ers have been trying to manage defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw's knee injury, but some extended rest might be necessary for the second-year player. Today, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Kinlaw is a candidate to land on injured reserve, which would force him to miss a minimum of three games.
"Yes, definitely [have to consider injured reserve]," Shanahan said. "Yeah, it's something we're worried about and concerned about, something we'll probably decide here in the next week."
What are the 49ers' options with the interior of the defensive line without Kinlaw?
"We've got [Kentavius] Street, we've got D.J. Jones, we've got Zach Kerr," Shanahan responded. "And we've got guys on [the] practice squad with [Darrion] Daniels and stuff, so those are decisions we'll have to make."
Kinlaw initially sustained the knee injury on December 20, 2020, against the Dallas Cowboys, forcing him to miss last season's final two games. He was inactive for Week 1 and has yet to be full-go in a practice leading to a game this season.
"We still are very resolute that he's going to be a tremendous [asset], and has the makings of a dominant player," general manager John Lynch said this morning, "but you have to be healthy in this league to do that. So, he's struggling through that.
"We're trying to help him find answers, and we're working towards that. It's unfortunate, but that's always a risk in this league."
The good news is that running back JaMycal Hasty should return. He will likely be activated from injured reserve on Saturday.
"I expect him to be full-go," Shanahan said. "He had a real good week, which you never know when they're coming back from a high-ankle. But he looked good Monday and continued all the way to today, so no concerns."