Joe

Staley

After the 49ers traded for disgruntled Redskins LT Trent Williams, this was the expected outcome, though the Niners said back in February they expected Staley back for a 14th season. Staley will turn 36 later this year and has spent his entire career in the Bay Area. He missed nine regular-season games last season with a broken leg but was back for the playoff run. Staley made six Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro selection three times. Staley started all 181 games he appeared in after being taken 28th overall in the 2007 draft out of Central Michigan. Staley remained one of the best tackles in the sport when healthy.

There had been speculation that Staley might retire. “I don’t think you know with certainty with any player, but all indications is Joe is really happy being a 49er,” Lynch said. “He’s healthy and that’s all good. ... We’ll see what’s on Joe’s mind, but right now I think he’s in a good place.” Staley was limited to seven games by a broken leg in 2019 but remained elite when on the field. Headed into the final year of his contract, Staley turns 36 in August.

Staley practiced on a limited basis throughout the week. He looks on track to return after missing the last two games. Getting Staley back would obviously be a huge boost to the 49ers against a Saints defense that has the fifth-most sacks in the league.

Staley appears to have a real shot to suit up Sunday against the Ravens. His return would be great news for the entire 49ers’ passing game. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if coach Kyle Shanahan decides to deploy a more run-heavy game plan against a Ravens defense that has been significantly better against the pass (No. 3 in DVOA) than the run (No. 25) through 12 weeks.

It’s bad luck for Staley, who just returned from a fractured leg, but he should be back before the regular season ends. Coach Kyle Shanahan said rookie Justin Skule will “most likely” replace Staley in the starting lineup. Skule has unsurprisingly struggled against edge rushers this season.

Staley is seeking a second opinion. Were Staley to go under the knife, he would miss a “couple of weeks.” The blindside protector sounds very doubtful for Week 11, which is the last thing the 49ers needed after Jadeveon Clowney caved in their offensive line on Monday Night Football. Justin Skule has done a poor job as a fill-in this season.

Staley missed six games with a broken leg, and McGlinchey had been sidelined multiple weeks following a knee scope. They are big-time reinforcements for the undefeated Niners.

Staley has missed six games with a fractured fibula, but he is back on the practice field with the intention of suiting up for Monday Night Football. The 49ers are already one of the best teams in the NFL, so Staley’s return is a rich getting richer situation.

Staley was limited in Tuesday’s walk-through practice. There aren’t many reasons to rush Staley back this week for a Thursday night game against the up-and-down Cardinals, especially with the 49ers running game dominating in recent weeks. A Week 10 return seems more realistic for the left tackle.

Staley is tentatively expected to return in Week 9. His eventual return will be great news for the 49ers’ run and pass game alike. RT Mike McGlinchey (knee) is also sidelined.