Fansided

49ers’ OT Joe Staley says he will play Sunday

By Matt Cowlishaw

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November 10, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (left) talks to tackle Joe Staley (74) against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 10, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (left) talks to tackle Joe Staley (74) against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco 49ers’ left tackle Joe Staley resumed practice on Thursday and again on Friday in spite of a sprained MCL he sustained last Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Staley is officially listed as questionable for this Sunday’s game against bitter division rival Seattle, but according to Matt Maiocco at CSN Bay Area, he says he will be in the starting lineup, and added:

"“I’d play against anybody,” Staley said. “This is what I’m expected to do. I’m expected to go out and play. If I can play, I’m going to play. “Looking back on it, knowing what I know now, I’m kind of upset that I put those guys in a bad situation last week. But they stepped up and did a great job.”"

Staley has a starting streak dating back to the 2011 season opener and it appears that will remain intact.  The two-time Pro Bowler – 2011, 2012 – anchors a 49ers’ offensive line that has been a bit beat up as of late, particularly on the left side.

Starting left guard Mike Iupati has been sidelined with a sprained left knee since San Francisco’s 23-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints three weeks ago.  Iupati had been limited to conditioning drills as of Thursday.

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