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49ers Bring Back Fan-Favorite DT, Name Him Week 1 Starter on the Initial Depth Chart

“I can’t even put into words how I felt when I got the call from Coach Shanahan. Coming back to San Francisco makes me truly happy — to put on the Red & Gold, the colors that have lifted multiple Lombardi Trophies. Being listed as a Week 1 starter on the initial depth chart surprised me, but I’ll be ready and play my heart out for this jersey,” Javon Kinlaw said.

After a one-year stop with the New York Jets, Kinlaw was traded back to the Bay in a low-cost late-round pick swap. The reunion gives San Francisco a ready-made interior piece who already fits Nick Sorensen’s front, minimizing the playbook ramp-up ahead of Week 1.

The team’s first depth chart lists Kinlaw alongside Javon Hargrave as the starting defensive tackles, with Kevin Givens and Kalia Davis on the second line. The roles are clear: Kinlaw can play 1-tech/2i on early downs to anchor the run, while Hargrave works primarily at 3-tech to generate interior disruption. In third-and-long sub-packages, Givens and Davis can rotate in to juice the pass rush and keep the interior fresh.

Before the move back, Kinlaw admitted the trade call caught him off guard mid-routine — and the biggest hassle was simply having to move again. Even so, he emphasized that everything “worked out the right way,” returning to the place where his NFL journey began as a first-round pick and where he was part of San Francisco’s recent NFC title/Super Bowl run.

Kinlaw’s résumé in the Bay is substantial for a still-young DT: 2020 first-rounder (No. 14 overall) out of South Carolina, experience across multiple playoff pushes, and flashes of disruptive power that the 49ers believe can stabilize early downs and open lanes for their edge rushers. With Kinlaw’s familiarity beside Hargrave, San Francisco expects the interior to clamp down on the run and set the table for heavier pressure packages off the edge — Red & Gold business from the very first snap.

The 49ers open the season at Levi’s Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 7 (4:25 p.m. ET).

Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."