Injured receiver Sanders plans to play through pain

Emmanuel Sanders plans to play — probably with considerable pain.

The 49ers wide receiver was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Arizona with a rib cartilage injury that forced him to leave Monday’s overtime loss to the Seahawks after the first quarter.

Sanders, who hasn’t practiced this week, indicated he expects to play.

“I’m going to try to battle it out,” Sanders said.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s comments about Sanders’ improvement during the week spoke to the discomfort he’s been experiencing.

“It looks like he’s walking around better,” Shanahan said. “Sitting in meetings better.”

Sanders’ availability is particularly important given the status of Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle, who is doubtful after being sidelined against Seattle with knee and ankle injuries. Without Kittle and Sanders, the 49ers’ offense managed just two field goals in the final 55 minutes Monday.

Kittle did rehab work during practice Friday and was observed walking through the locker room without a noticeable limp. He played the majority of the game after he was injured on the first offensive play in a 2825 win against

Arizona on Oct. 31 and had six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Shanahan was asked if Kittle’s willingness and ability to play through injuries meant he had to be protected from himself.

“There’s no doubt about it,” Shanahan said. “He played through the game two weeks ago — so that’s why he’s a guy you never count out. We try to be smart with him, though. … He played two weeks ago with this, so there’s always a possibility. That’s why we’ve got him as doubtful.”

Running back Matt Breida (ankle) and kicker Robbie Gould (quadriceps) are also doubtful.

Staley’s situation: Left tackle Joe Staley, who is likely out for the next two games with a broken finger that required surgery Tuesday, has a unique injury and was told by the team’s medical staff that he couldn’t avoid a procedure.

Staley’s finger was also dislocated and wouldn’t pop back into place. Shanahan said if Staley didn’t have surgery to repair his finger within 10 days of the injury, it would have remained dislocated and he would have lost complete function in the finger.

“Of course, I’d allow a player to play with a hurt finger, especially an Olineman,” Shanahan said. “I know Staley wants to (play). But this is something the doctors tell us is not an option.”

The rookie and Rice: Rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel had eight catches for 112 yards against Seattle, which made him the first 49ers rookie to have at least eight catches and 100 yards since Jerry Rice had 10 catches for 241 yards on Dec. 9, 1985, in a 2720 loss to the Rams.

Tight end Monty Stickles (1960) is the only other rookie in franchise history to have at least eight catches for 100plus yards in a game.