Staley has missed the last three contests with a broken finger, although him not being listed on head coach Kyle Shanahan's list of inactive players in New Orleans all but ensures Staley will suit up for the contest.
San Francisco's inactives are as follows:
- WR Marquise Goodwin
- QB C.J. Beathard
- S Jaquiski Tartt
- WR Dante Pettis
- RB Jeff Wilson
- DT Jullian Taylor
- TE Levine Toilolo
Running back Matt Breida is also expected to return after missing time with an ankle injury. Breida is averaging 5.0 yards per carry on the season, and the Niners are expected to rely heavily on the rushing attack to help keep the ball out of the hands of quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints offense.
Yet there is a notable injury concern the 49ers will have to overcome, notably Tartt, who suffered a ribs injury during the team's Week 13 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Tartt was ruled out for the contest earlier in the week, and it's likely Shanahan inserts second-year safety Marcell Harris in Tartt's stead.
San Francisco also inked depth safety Antone Exum to a one-year deal earlier this week to provide some added support.
The 49ers and Saints kick off at 1 p.m. ET from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Written By:
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
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