Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and right tackle Mike McGlinchey both missed virtually all of last season with leg injuries. Now the 49ers will get the two big (literally) pieces back in the trenches in time for training camp per head coach Kyle Shanahan.
After Tuesday’s practice, Shanahan spoke with media members and said the two former first-round picks are on track to return for training camp.
“Those guys have been great,” Shanahan said of the rehabbing linemen. “We didn’t expect to have them until training camp, but just looking at them out there and how they’re moving. We consider them ahead of schedule and it’s been very positive on both of those guys.”
He did clarify that he doesn’t expect either to be on the field before camp. Voluntary workouts last through early June, and mandatory minicamp is in mid June.
Kinlaw had reconstructive surgery on his ACL to fix an issue that ailed him for all of training camp last year and eventually knocked him out of the regular season. The 2020 first-round pick had a strong rookie campaign, and now will look to bounce back as a key cog on the interior of the 49ers’ defensive line. He could make a sizable impact after DJ Jones’ exit in free agency.
McGlinchey tore his quad last season and left a vacancy at right tackle that the 49ers had a little trouble filling. While he’s not the best pass blocker in the NFL, he is one of the best run blockers at his position and his presence should help stabilize a 49ers offensive front that’s in flux going into this year.
There’ll be question marks around both Kinlaw and McGlinchey going into 2022 and they’ll need to prove themselves as long-term answers for San Francisco, but the 49ers are undoubtedly better with both on the field.
