SANTA CLARA — Returning to practice this week did not assure left tackle Joe Staley’s availability for Sunday when the 49ers (6-0) host the Carolina Panthers (4-2).
He is listed as doubtful and will be a game-time decision.
All that practice time should, however, bolster Staley’s chances of playing next Thursday on Halloween night at the Arizona Cardinals. After that game, Staley will have extra time to recover before the start of a three-game home stand through November.
”He has to be good enough so he makes it through both games,” said coach Kyle Shanahan, noting that Staley is sore from practicing.