San Francisco 49ers starting left tackle Joe Staley has been working hard to return from the fractured fibula he suffered during Week 2, and unless he has a setback, plans to play on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.
Staley had been practicing in a limited capacity since before the 49ers' Week 8 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. He did not play in that game, nor did he suit up last Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals.
Staley went through his first full practice on Tuesday, the first of four practices San Francisco will hold this week.
"I feel good," Staley told NBC Sports Bay Area. "If everything goes according to plan, I'll be out there this week. Today, I was out there for the full practice, which was the first time. Barring any type of setback, the plan is to play."
Staley told Matt Maiocco that his latest X-ray showed that his leg was about 90 percent healed, and these past two weeks of limited practice have helped him get back into the swing of things after months of being unable to do anything.
The 49ers remaining undefeated has helped too. There hasn't been a sense of urgency for Staley to return with rookie Justin Skule doing a good job filling in.
"Hopefully, feel good and be ready to go (against Seattle)," Staley added.
San Francisco is hoping Staley isn't the only player who returns against the Seahawks. The team's other starting tackle, Mike McGlinchey (knee), and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (MCL sprain) returned to practice on Tuesday and could be part of the reinforcements coming back to help in the second half of the season.
Juszczyk spoke with Keiana Martin of 49ers.com and indicated that he feels good about his chances of being available against the Seahawks.
"Juszczyk said he feels 'fresh' following his four-game absence and is eager to return ahead of the divisional matchup," wrote Martin.
