Shanahan: 49ers to activate Javon Kinlaw off IR ahead of Commanders game; Deebo Samuel, Elijah Mitchell ‘right on track’

Javon Kinlaw must have had a fantastic two days of practice. The San Francisco 49ers plan to activate the defensive tackle ahead of Saturday's game against the Washington Commanders. Kinlaw has not played since Week 3 due to a setback in his surgically reconstructed knee.

"I expect him to be up (for Saturday)," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after Thursday's practice. "He had a real good [Wednesday] practice. ... Everything was light today, but he a good week. No setbacks, and real excited to see him out there."

Kinlaw has only appeared in seven games over the last two seasons. However, the 49ers hope he can return, play at a high level, and make an impact down the stretch, including in the playoffs.

This week, reporters have seen Deebo Samuel doing some light work on a side field. The wide receiver is working his way back from MCL and ankle sprains. He is expected to be available sometime before the end of the regular season. However, with the NFC West crown wrapped up, rushing him back into the fold is unnecessary.

"He's doing good," Shanahan said. "I saw him there running on the side, and it seems like he's right on track."

The coach added that running back Elijah Mitchell is also on track based on his initial timeline to return, which would be sometime during the playoffs. Mitchell suffered his second MCL sprain of the season in Week 12 and was expected to miss six to eight weeks.