What we saw at 49ers practice Thursday: Kinlaw returns, Aiyuk gets coached up
WHITE SULFUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Javon Kinlaw peered toward reporters on the sideline with their iPhone cameras rolling, lined up with his defensive linemen and blasted forward with no hindrance.
Call that an optimistic sign the 49ers’ top draft pick last year will make his season debut Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
That depends, however, how his surgically repaired knee responds to whatever workload Kinlaw produced in Thursday’s practice at The Greenbrier Resort.
Kinlaw was listed as limited in last Thursday’s practice, but likely very limited, as his knee required a week’s worth of rest because of soreness dating back to last December’s injury in Dallas.
The 49ers’ run defense missed his powerful, interior presence in the 41-33 season-opening win at Detroit.
“He got it cleaned up, but it still hasn’t healed quite as right as we want,” Shanahan said Wednesday of Kinlaw’s January knee surgery. “So, it seems like when he’s gone, it’s started to affect him. So, hopefully taking it easy these last 10 days or so, it’ll start to get better and we’ll see how it goes day to day.”
RUNNING BACK DEPTH
It’s looking like Elijah Mitchell is in line for his first career start, having rushed for 104 yards in the opener after Raheem Mostert left with what’s since been diagnosed as a season-ending knee injury. Mostert, by the way, was on hand observing running back drills Thursday.
Behind Mitchell likely will be JaMycal Hasty and third-round pick Trey Sermon, who was a healthy scratch against the Lions. Also practicing Thursday were Kerryon Johnson (practice squad) and Trent Cannon (claimed off waivers Wednesday).
BRANDON AIYUK UPDATE
Brandon Aiyuk’s demotion into a job share is up for discussion this week. He must do better than Trent Sherfield in practices to win back a full-time role, Shanahan said Wednesday. On Thursday, as the 49ers closed offensive warmups, Aiyuk’s route wasn’t crisp and he got coached up afterward by offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
STILL NO GREENLAW
Dre Greenlaw missed practice for a second straight day because of a groin injury, which kept him from returning to Sunday’s game after his 39-yard interception return for a touchdown. Fellow linebacker Marcell Harris (oblique) participated Thursday with a no-contact jersey.
Azeez Al-Shaair would likely start at weak-side linebacker next to Fred Warner if Greenlaw can’t play Sunday, with Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles stepping in at strong-side linebacker.
OTHER HEALTH UPDATES
Defensive lineman Arik Armstead (hip) worked on the side with a trainer and moved well. Defensive end Dee Ford (ankle) was participating in defensive line drills.
Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (knee) ran on the side, and if he misses a second straight start, Josh Norman could make his 49ers’ debut, considering Jason Verrett (knee) went on injured reserve Tuesday.
#49ers second day of practicing at The Greenbrier begins in an hour pic.twitter.com/hRoNkcn8Ld
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 16, 2021