There has been some speculation that Staley might decide to retire this offseason, leaving the 49ers in search of an immediate replacement. That's assuming they weren't comfortable with one of the backup tackles on the roster.
Lynch and the 49ers are encouraged that Staley will play in 2020, though. The tackle remains in San Diego, which is where he typically spends his offseasons.
"We've kept in good contact with Joe (Staley)," Lynch said. "He's doing his typical routine down with his family in San Diego, working out. And we're encouraged.
"We've heard nothing that would lead us to believe that Joe's not going to play. So, we are encouraged with that. We'll see where that goes.
"That is something that each and every player, particularly as they get closer (to retirement), you give them that time that they need. But we are encouraged that Joe's going to be part of us going forward."
Staley is (hopefully) preparing to enter his 14th NFL season. The 49ers made him the No. 28 overall pick back in 2007.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
John Lynch confident in 49ers' offseason plan: "We'll fix it"
The San Francisco 49ers are grappling with the disappointment of a season that fell far short of their lofty expectations. After coming close to a Super Bowl victory last year, the team now finds itself out of playoff contention, sitting at 6-9 with just two games left in the... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan confident Nick Sorensen will grow as a coach
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters on Saturday following the team's final practice before their Monday night primetime matchup against the Detroit Lions. With the 49ers enduring a disappointing 2024 season, questions have emerged about whether... -
Fred Warner confident in 49ers' starting QB and 'proven winner,' Josh Dobbs
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Wednesday that Josh Dobbs would start this weekend in place of an injured Brock Purdy. While Sunday will mark Dobbs' first start with the 49ers, the quarterback has started 14 games in his career, including eight in 2023... -
Why Kyle Shanahan is confident 49ers' tough season will benefit Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy entered this season riding a wave of success. After being selected as the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the young quarterback was thrust into the San Francisco 49ers' starting lineup as a rookie due to injuries. Since then, Purdy has guided the team to two NFC...