49ers starting left tackle Joe Staley said he will return to the field on Sunday vs. the New York Giants, after sitting out last week with a fractured orbital bone sustained against the Eagles two weeks ago.
49ers LT Joe Staley on Sunday: “I’m playing.”
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) November 10, 2017
Staley’s presence could nudge head coach Kyle Shanahan to play new QB Jimmy Garoppolo for the first time, as it is assumed that part of the reason he’s been held back has to do with the 49ers inability to protect the quarterback in recent weeks. C.J. Beathard, who Shanahan said will start on Sunday, has been, well, beat hard since taking over, getting sacked 16 times in three and a half games. Regardless of what happens vs. the Giants, the assumption is that Garoppolo will get his first start after the 49ers’ bye week, two weeks from this Sunday at home against the Seahawks.
Only defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and cornerback K’Waun Williams are listed as questionable for Sunday.