49ers’ OT Staley practices, Iupati does not
San Francisco 49ers’ left tackle Joe Staley has resumed practicing, according to a report from Cam Inman at the San Jose Mercury News.
Staley had been held out of practice since spraining his right knee on Sunday in the 49ers 23-13 win over the St. Louis Rams. His return today could mean that his consecutive games-started streak – which has been alive since the 2011 season opener – could remain intact.
According to the report, starting left guard Mike Iupati is still doing conditioning drills but has been unable to participate in full practice. Iupati sprained his left knee three weeks ago in the 49ers’ 23-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
San Francisco takes on the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday at Candlestick Park. A Seattle win would mean an NFC West title – a San Francisco win would keep their playoff hopes alive and move them to within two games of the Seahawks.
Seattle ranks 1st in the NFL against the pass (177.3 yards per game) and 13th (107.2) against the run, although they will be without starting cornerback Walter Thurmond and possibly without Brandon Browner due to their recent widely-publicized suspensions.
Seattle defeated San Francisco 29-3 in a week two drubbing at CenturyLink Field that saw the 49ers gain just 100 yards on the ground and 107 through the air. Let’s just say it will benefit San Francisco greatly to have the starting left side of their offensive line come Sunday afternoon.