Staley listed as ‘doubtful’ vs. Panthers
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.
Justin Skule has started the past four games since Staley’s lower left leg got injured in the 49ers’ Week 2 win at Cincinnati.
MARQUISE GOODWIN TBD >> Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin is listed as questionable after being called away from the 49ers facility Thursday to deal with a personal issue. He only practiced Wednesday of this week. Will he play? “I don’t know. We obviously hope so but it depends where he’s at,” Shanahan said. “If it was today, definitely not.”
Goodwin has 11 receptions for 181 yards and one touchdown.
One wide receiver sure to play Sunday is newcomer Emmanuel Sanders. “He’s going to play — a lot,” Shanahan said without specifying Sanders’ role. OTHERS REMAIN OUT >> Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee), right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot) again got ruled out.
Also questionable are running back Raheem Mostert (knee) and tight end Levine Toilolo (groin).
Juszczyk has ramped up
his rehabilitation the past week after his Oct. 7 knee sprain. Helping covering for him are backup tight ends Ross Dwelley and Toilolo. Daniel Brunskill
will make his third start in place of McGlinchey.
Emmanuel Moseley again replaces Witherspoon, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh would
not rule out Witherspoon from regaining the starting role once healthy.
CAM NEWTON OUT >> Quarterback Cam Newton (foot) will not suit up for the fifth straight game for the Panthers, who’ve gone 4-0 with his replacement, Kyle Allen.
Also out for Carolina (42) are edge rusher Christian Miller (ankle) and offensive tackle Greg Little (concussion).
All other Panthers are available to play, including edge rusher Brian Burns (wrist), guard Trai Turner (ankle), cornerback Donte Jackson (groin) and offensive tackle Dennis Daley (groin).
DEE FORD ON PANTHERS >> Defensive end Dee Ford is as eager as ever to get after an opponent, especially one with a quarterback who’s fumbled six times in four starts like Allen has. “We’ve got some opportunities but we have to handle the run first,” Ford said
Ford commended Allen’s decision making for his interception-free season, and when asked how to force Allen into bad decisions, Ford replies: “That’s why they pay us.”