In a crucial NFC West game at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, the 49ers’ depth along the interior of their defensive line will be put to the test.
Due to foot and knee problems, defensive tackle Arik Armstead will not play for the 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s statement on Friday.
In place of Armstead, Javon Kinlaw is anticipated to make his second start of the year. In the 49ers’ 42-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, Kinlaw racked up two sacks.
The 49ers do not anticipate fielding six players for the contest on Sunday. Additionally sidelined were tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud (rib).
San Francisco listed right guard Spencer Burford (knee), cornerback Darrell Luter (hamstring) and running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) as doubtful for the game against the Seahawks.
Burford will be replaced at the start by veteran Jon Feliciano. Feliciano, a backup along the 49ers’ interior offensive line, has started three games this season.
The quarterback Geno Smith of the Seahawks is one of their major injury concerns; he is listed as questionable due to a groin injury.
Seattle will turn to recently signed Sean Mannion as a backup if Smith is unable to play.
Running backs Kenneth Walker (oblique) and Zach Charbonnet (knee), and nose tackle Jaron Reed (hamstring) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (ankle) also are listed as questionable.
Following his selection by the 49ers in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Kinlaw has more sacks than he has in any of his first three seasons with the team. With 23 starts in 36 games, Kinlaw currently has 3.5 sacks.
Steve Wilks, the defensive coordinator, emphasized Kinlaw’s improved play against the run in addition to his consistency.
“Wilks praised the way the player was utilizing the lower pad level. As we frequently discuss, the goal is to play on their side of the ball and establish a new line of scrimmage. You can see that with him that penetration is at the heart of everything we do.”
As part of the defensive line rotation, the 49ers will also look to backups Kevin Givens and Kalia Davis for substantial playing time.
Dwelley is anticipated to miss a number of games due to a sprained high ankle. Due to his injury, Luter—who is emerging as a stellar player on special teams—may not be able to play past this week.
49ers injury report for Week 14 vs. the Seahawks:
Out
DT Arik Armstead (foot, knee)
TE Ross Dwelley (ankle)
WR Ray-Ray McCloud (rib)
Doubtful
G Spencer Burford (knee)
RB Elijah Mitchell (knee)
CB Darrell Luter (hamstring)