Javon Kinlaw has a Prime Opportunity to Shine for the 49ers

One player who's fallen under the radar on the 49ers is Javon Kinlaw.

Ever since he stepped into the league, he has been derailed every season due to injuries. That has forced his development to be stagnant since he can never get it going. Momentum is everything in this league and now that he has it, Kinlaw is starting to thrive. His moment came against the Eagles this past week when he tallied two sacks, which are his firsts of the season along with a season high four tackles.

"I think the number one thing with him is he's healthy, unlike he's been in the past," said defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. "And then there's one word that you're alluding to, which is he's playing consistent. He's really been consistent these last couple of weeks. I love the way he's playing with lower pad level. Really as we talk about all the time, trying to create a new line of scrimmage, playing on their side of the ball. Everything we do is about penetration and you can see that with him.”

Kinlaw has actually been doing a decent job prior to the game against the Eagles. He's been putting in some nice pressures along with playing a role in run defense. As the season has progressed, he has continued to improve. His time finally came when he brought Jalen Hurts down twice this past week. Everything is clicking for Kinlaw. Now, he has a prime opportunity to shine for the 49ers in their next two games.

Arik Armstead is likely going to miss the upcoming game against Seattle, and possibly the ensuing game against Arizona as well. Losing him stings, but that means there will be more chances for Kinlaw to create havoc and stand out like he did against the Eagles. For a player who is surging and continuing to get better every week, this can go a long way for him. We might be seeing the makings of a player who is going from a regular role player to an impact player.

“It really started about, I want to say almost right when we got back from our Bye Week, since then Kinlaw’s game has gone up each week," said Kyle Shanahan. "I think it gets better and better each week. He's finally strung enough practice together and being healthy this season that I think he's really starting to get into true, he is in football shape but he is starting to play enough to where he improves every time he plays now. Same with the practice field. I think he's really helped us out and he's taken some big steps going forward.”

Changes were made this offseason from Kinlaw with his diet and workouts, and that has garnered him perfect results. For the first time in his career, the arrow is pointing upward for Kinlaw.