CINCINNATI — Joe Staley, the anchor of the 49ers' offensive line, broke his left fibula during Sunday's 41-17 win over the Bengals.
Staley will not be placed on season-ending injured reserve, and he could return in fewer than eight weeks.
#49ers Joe Staley has a broken fibula and it could be out around 8 weeks. Hopefully not an IR candidate
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) September 15, 2019
In fact, Staley told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco that he likely will be out six to eight weeks.
Joe Staley says he’ll likely be out 6 to 8 weeks with a broken leg fibula.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 15, 2019
Late in the third quarter, Staley went down on the field, and trainers attended to the stalwart left tackle close to the Bengals' bench. Maiocco reported that Staley appeared to be injured in a tangle-up with 49ers teammate Raheem Mostert.
On the play in which Joe Staley got injured, he was blocking for Raheem Mostert. Mostert’s leg hit Staley’s left leg and bent it back into Staley’s right leg.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 15, 2019
Once Staley stood up after the play, he walked a few steps to the Bengals' sideline, putting very little weight on his left foot, and he was carted to the 49ers' locker room a few moments later.
Staley largely was injury free in his 12 previous NFL seasons, and he has mentioned that as long as he can play and remains healthy, he will keep suiting up for the 49ers. The front office also has vowed to keep Staley on the team for his entire NFL career.
Justin Skule, the 49ers' swing tackle, replaced Staley for the remainder of the game.