The 49ers are getting healthy just in time for the most difficult portion of their schedule. Left tackle Joe Staley and fullback Kyle Juszczyk are both expected to return Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey and tight end George Kittle also have a chance to suit up against the No. 2 team in the NFC West.
Staley broke his fibula in Week 2, and started practicing again prior to Week 8 against the Panthers. He was doubtful in Weeks 8 and 9 after going through limited practices, but Tuesday he told reporters, “if everything goes according to plan, I’ll be out there this week,” per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Juszczyk also told reporters he’s 100 percent and ready to play vs. the Seahawks after spraining his MCL in Week 5 against the Browns. Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area noted that Juszczyk would’ve played in Week 9 had the 49ers not been on a short week for Thursday Night Football.
McGlinchey said his readiness will depend on conditioning. He had arthroscopic surgery on his knee after the Browns game and missed the last four games.
San Francisco managed to survive offensively without Staley, McGlinchey and Juszczyk. They’d have a much more difficult time managing without Kittle, who’s dealing with a knee injury he sustained on the first play against the Cardinals. He was able to play through it for most of the game, but took himself out of the contest late, including during the final drive. There’s optimism he’ll play after an MRI revealed no major injury, but he wasn’t participating in the bonus practice Tuesday, which leaves some question about his availability for Week 10. We’ll keep a close eye on the tight end’s status throughout the week of practice.
