"I have no injury," wrote San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw via an Instagram story.
Out of an abundance of caution on the part of the team, Kinlaw has been limited in practices this week, working in individual drills but not in team drills. Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed reporters on Wednesday that the former first-round pick recently underwent a procedure to reduce the swelling in his knee, indicating that it was related to the "clean-up procedure" Kinlaw underwent after last season.
"He had, traveling and stuff like a month ago or something, [his knee] just swelled up a little bit," Shanahan said. "I don't know whether they drained it or not. I'll get it exactly for you guys tomorrow. But just a minor thing. And so, he had to stay off of it for a little bit after they did that."
Shanahan added that the team's decision to limit Kinlaw was just a precaution, never indicating that any further complications arose. So, it's interesting that Kinlaw felt the need to defend himself on social media.
"I feel he's healthy," Shanahan added. "But a guy who stayed off his leg for a couple of weeks, you don't just throw out there right away."
Kinlaw is one of several players coming off an injury who has been limited so far in training camp. Others include wide receiver Jalen Hurd (knee) and defensive ends Nick Bosa (knee) and Dee Ford (neck, back). However, all appear on track to be ready for the upcoming season.
Earlier today, running back Raheem Mostert also felt the need to address what he felt was misinformation about him wearing a brace during practices. Although, it is unclear what specific reports he is referring to.
I'm going to address this one time and one time only. I am NOT injured and to the media trying to make something out of NOTHING, I won't allow it. I wear a knee brace in practice for PREVENTION and for my LONGEVITY in this league. I had this brace made YEARS AGO and wore…
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) July 30, 2021
it in other training camps/practices. Why is it a focus now? I won't allow you to put me into your "hole" of being old, washed up, and injured. I'm just getting started!!
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) July 30, 2021