The 49ers’ defensive line helped spearhead their run to the Super Bowl in 2019. Now that unit is getting healthier as training camp rolls along with two starters both returning to team drills and playing well.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and defensive end Dee Ford have both eased into camp. Kinlaw dealt with a minor setback in his return from a knee issue, while Ford is nearing the end of a long path back from a back injury that sidelined him for essentially 15 games last season. Both were in team drills Tuesday for the first padded practice of camp and caught the attention of head coach Kyle Shanahan.
“He ran by me a bunch of times,” Shanahan told reporters after practice. “So when I saw him walking in, I told him quit teasing me like that because he looked like the Dee Ford I remember. So hopefully he can keep that up and can be smart with him as we go.”
Ford was a key cog in the dominant 49ers’ pass rush that paved the way to Super Bowl LIV. Having him back and effective would be a significant positive development for San Francisco.
Kinlaw was good on the interior as well per the head coach. The 2020 first-round pick had flashes of good play last year, but he’ll need to improve his consistency to help the 49ers this season. Early returns on his ability to impact an offense are good.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked,” Shanahan said. “He’s had a great off season and he’s a problem when he’s out there. So, the offense doesn’t want him out as much as he was today because he messes a lot of stuff up for us, but it was good to see him. And I know he was pumped to get the pads on the day too.”
Health along the defensive line could make or break the 49ers’ hopes of a deep playoff run this year. It’s still early in camp, but these showings from Ford and Kinlaw are a promising start for San Francisco’s defense.