As expected, the San Francisco 49ers have activated Javon Kinlaw from the injured reserve list. The defensive tackle has not played since Week 3 due to a setback in his surgically reconstructed knee but saw his practice window opened this week. The move means Kinlaw will be available for the 49ers' Christmas Eve matchup against the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
"He had a real good [Wednesday] practice," Shanahan told reporters on Thursday. "... Everything was light today (Thursday), but he a good week. No setbacks, and real excited to see him out there."
San Francisco made Kinlaw the No. 14 overall draft pick in 2020. He has missed 24 games over the past two seasons.
Kinlaw becomes the seventh 49ers player this season activated from the injured reserve list, leaving the team with the ability to activate one more player. That will likely be running back Elijah Mitchell, who suffered his second MCL sprain of the season during Week 12.
To make room on the roster for Kinlaw, the 49ers released linebacker Curtis Robinson, who was activated off the injured reserve list on October 15.
San Francisco is also elevating the following players from the practice squad:
- DL Michael Dwumfour
- WR Willie Snead IV