Kyle Shanahan expects DT Javon Kinlaw to return to practice this week
Dec 16, 2022, 2:00 PM
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
After clinching the NFC West title Thursday night, more good fortune is expect to come the San Francisco 49ers‘ way next week in the form of defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
Speculated to return over the past few weeks, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Friday that the third-year DT is expected to return to the practice field next week, barring any setback in his recovery.
“As long as the rehab keeps going well, we expect to start his window up this week at practice,” Shanahan said, via conference call.
Javon Kinlaw has been out of action since Week 4, suffering from fluid buildup in his surgically-repaired knee for most of the season. The 49ers will have 21 days from when he returns to the practice field to activate him off the injured reserve, otherwise he will remain out for the rest of the season.
More good news as quarterback Brock Purdy came out of Week 15 with no new injuries to report.
The rookie QB has been dealing with oblique and rib injuries since last Sunday, unable to throw a football during limited practice sessions in the week. Purdy gutted it out Thursday night, leading his team to the win over their rivals with 217 yards passing and two TDs as well.
“He came out well. I haven’t seen today, but just talked to our trainer and he came in feeling good and he’s feeling better today actually, then he was earlier in the week. He got out healthy and should be a lot better going into the next game,” Shanahan stated.
San Francisco only suffered one injury to their starters Thursday night as cornerback Charvarius Ward is in the concussion protocol.
Ward suffered the injury in the second half of Week 15, going into the medical tent for period of time before rejoining his teammates on the sideline. Still wary of his player’s head injury, Shanahan decided to keep him off the field for the duration of the contest. A smart move in hindsight with Ward showing symptoms the next day to land in the protocol.
“I didn’t feel totally right about it,” the coach said postgame Thursday. “I didn’t think he should go back in.”
CB Ambry Thomas is day-to-day with an ankle injury, while wide receiver Danny Gray is also day-to-day with a hamstring injury.
