The 49ers' star player is expected to return for Saturday's game

As the weekend approaches, the San Francisco 49ers might get a boost to their already dominant defence.

Javon Kinlaw is expected to play against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, as head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media on Thursday.

Kinlaw, according to Shanahan, has had a "very excellent week" of practise Without any major setbacks.

Before tearing his ACL, Kinlaw was limited to just four games last year. The defensive tackle only played in three games before re-injuring his knee.

This week was the first time in over two months that the 2020 first-round pick has participated in practise.

He'll be trying to aid the best defence in the NFL, which has allowed just 286.1 yards and 15.0 points a game.

At the beginning of his career, Kinlaw has 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a pick-six.The 49ers have stopped the run without their 319-pounder Kevin Givens,

but he will be sidelined for a second game with a knee injury.The 49ers face the Commanders on Saturday at 4:05 p.m. ET, looking to extend their NFL-best seven-game winning run.