Why Javon Kinlaw Will be Critical for the 49ers vs. the Ravens

Javon Kinlaw just saved his career.

The former first-round pick went two full seasons without recording a sack, then the 49ers declined to pick up his fifth-year option this spring. Which means he's in a lame duck season, and most likely will play somewhere else next year. It seems the 49ers wrote him off.

But Kinlaw didn't lose heart. He always worked hard, he simply needed his surgically-repaired knee to stay healthy so he could practice every day and improve. And so far, that's exactly what has happened this year. He's been healthy, and he has improved. So in the 49ers' past three games, he has 3.5 sacks. What a remarkable comeback story.

Remember, Kinlaw played merely 162 snaps last season -- he was injured the entire time and ineffective when he played. This season, he has been a quality backup defensive tackle who sees the field for roughly 20 to 25 snaps per game. And he has thrived in this role.

But now, Arik Armstead is out with plantar fasciitis in his foot, and suddenly Kinlaw has become a starter, which means he now has to play 35 to 45 snaps per game. And he doesn't seem quite ready for this workload yet.

Last week against the Cardinals, Kinlaw seemed to get tired in the second half, as did the entire 49ers defense, and they gave up a 49-yard touchdown run to Cardinals backup running back Emari Demercado. Kinlaw and the rest of the 49ers' defensive front wouldn't have given up that play in the first half when they were fresh.

It's important the 49ers find a way to keep Kinlaw fresh while Armstead is out. Fortunately for them, starting defensive tackle Javon Hargrave should return after missing last week with a hamstring injury.