Reinforcements are on the way for the San Francisco 49ers.
The team is set to bolster its defensive line this week as Kalia Davis opens his 21-day practice window on Wednesday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed this during a conference call on Monday.
This news marks a significant development for Davis, who has been on Injured Reserve since injuring his knee during the first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. While the specifics of his injury were not disclosed, it was known that he required surgery.
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Davis was initially expected to return by mid-season, so the opening of his practice window now suggests he could return sooner than anticipated, indicating he is making a remarkable recovery. His return is a valuable boost for the 49ers.
In addition, starting defensive lineman Javon Hargrave suffered a torn tricep in the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024 season, with only a slim chance of returning if the 49ers make a deep playoff run. Hargrave’s absence leaves the defensive line vulnerable, diminishing their ability to generate pressure with four-man rushes.
This situation led the 49ers to blitz the New England Patriots on a third of their defensive plays, their highest blitz rate of the season, as they sought to compensate for the gap left by Hargrave. Davis’s return could help address this issue.
Entering 2024, Davis was a player the 49ers were excited about, having shown promise in training camp and against the Titans. His injury halted his upward trajectory, but now he has an opportunity to regain that momentum and contribute at a crucial time for the team.
The 49ers plan to evaluate his performance closely as they consider playing him in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals but will prioritize caution. They will likely take a gradual approach to ensure they maximize his potential. Keep an eye on his practice status as the week unfolds.
