49ers second-year DT Javon Kinlaw, CB Emmanuel Moseley doubtful vs Detroit Lions
The San Francisco 49ers continue to be hit by the injury bug. It’s becoming the norm rather than the exception. The Niners already have a total of five players on a designated injury list. Those players are listed below:
Injured Reserve (IR) (can return after first 3 games):
OT Shon Coleman (tricep strain)
DT Maurice Hurst (high ankle sprain)
CB Davontae Harris (hamstring)
Reserve PUP (can return after first 6 games):
RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (torn meniscus)
SS Tarvarius Moore (torn Achilles)
You can read the NFL rules and regulations on Reserve PUP here.
Reserve/Suspended list:
DE Jordan Willis (PEDs)
You can add WR Jalen Hurd to that list soon. I’m hearing that Hurd will be sent to IR due to developing osteoarthritis/cartilage issues in his torn ACL (although not confirmed). Two other players may also join Hurd on the IR including second-year DT Javon Kinlaw and CB Emmanuel Moseley.
Kinlaw showed flashes last year of his potential but wasn’t consistent enough in my grading system. He’s a solid run-stuffer but lack of pass rush moves turned him quickly into a one-trick pony.
Something I pointed out immediately after DT DeForest Buckner was traded via my YouTube channel above, it turns out I was right, checking off another BEAST receipt. But that’s not to say that Kinlaw can’t be good. He certainly has the physical traits you look for in a 3T.
Kinlaw’s biggest inspiration
Kinlaw keeps a close eye on me. I’m his biggest inspiration and he thinks about me every single day. His words, not mine. For those who don’t know, we had a Twitter exchange back on Dec. 9, 2020 before Kinlaw deleted his tweets.
I always say my job is to project and predict it’s the player’s job to perform. Don’t like it? Play better. It’s constructive criticism. If I truly believe Kinlaw didn’t have the talent to be a Pro Bowl player I wouldn’t be so hard on him. I would just be that coach who says to himself, “It is what it is.” But Kinlaw has untapped potential. I’m actually rooting for him as I responded to his tweet.
Fast forward to today, and Kinlaw along with Moseley is listed as “doubtful” for Sunday’s game vs the Detroit Lions.
Kinlaw (knee) missed all but one practice this week while Moseley (knee) has been unable to practice period.
If Moseley is unable to play, the team may turn to rookies CB Demoidoir Lenoire or CB Ambry Thomas. The team can also plug-and-play CB Josh Norman but it remains to be seen how conditioned he is.
49ers fans are starting to wonder if Kinlaw is a bust. I don’t label Kinlaw as a bust but rather a raw player with untapped Pro Bowl potential. How that will play out in 2021? Time will tell.
The grade for DT Javon Kinlaw in 2020
In my grading system last year:
17 missed assignments vs run (2nd worst on the team)
4 penalties resulting in 20 yards of hidden yardage (worst on the team)
12.5 tackle-wins (4th-best)
2.5 tackles for no gain (T-3rd best)
1.5 sacks (6th-best)
6 QB pressures (T-4th best)
3 PBUs by DEF front 7 player (2nd-best)
BEASTwriter+ is subscription-based and FREE for the first month of the NFL season. Join our FREE newsletter to stay up to date on all things NFL, by clicking link below: