Arik Armstead will miss the Seahawks game; Javon Kinlaw to start in his place

Jon Feliciano will start at right guard for Spencer Burford. Improved pass protection will be critical.

The same four players who have missed practice all week weren’t present during Friday’s practice. Arik Armstead, who has been battling both a knee and a foot injury, appears unlikely to play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

And, based on the injury report, he won’t:

OUT

DT Arik Armstead
TE Ross Dwelley
WR Ray-Ray McCloud
RG Spencer Burford

Doubtful

RB Elijah Mitchell
RG Spencer Burford
CB Darrell Luter

Javon Kinlaw will start in Armstead’s place. Kyle Shanahan spoke about if he’s seen any noticeable differences in Kinlaw’s play this season:

“Well, I can really go back even beyond that and I know you guys heard me talk about Kinlaw back in the spring when we were talking about guys who, I think, are going to have a great year. I think the number one thing with him is he’s healthy, unlike he’s been in the past. And then there’s one word that you’re alluding to, which is he’s playing consistent. He’s really been consistent these last couple of weeks. I love the way he’s playing with lower pad level. Really, as we talk about all the time, trying to create a new line of scrimmage, playing on their side of the ball. Everything we do is about penetration, and you can see that with him.”

Now, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’s turn to gush about Kinlaw:

“Well, I can really go back even beyond that and I know you guys heard me talk about Kinlaw back in the spring when we were talking about guys who I think are going to have a great year. I think the number one thing with him is he’s healthy, unlike he’s been in the past. And then there’s one word that you’re alluding to, which is he’s playing consistent. He’s really been consistent these last couple of weeks. I love the way he’s playing with lower pad level. Really as we talk about all the time, trying to create a new line of scrimmage, playing on their side of the ball. Everything we do is about penetration and you can see that with him.”

Jon Feliciano will start at right guard for Burford, which he did against Seattle. That was a game where Brock Purdy was under pressure on nearly 44 percent of his dropbacks. If there’s one offensive improvement from that game that’s needed, it’ll be keeping Purdy clean in the pocket.

The 49ers will also need to elevate a running back from the practice squad with Mitchell out. That’s been Tyrion Davis-Price previously. It’ll also mean Jordan Mason resumes the duties of RB2.

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