49ers left tackle Joe Staley stayed overnight in a Philadelphia hospital following the team’s 33-10 loss on Sunday, after sustaining an orbital fracture likely to keep him out a few weeks. The fracture took place when Staley became engaged with Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox following an interception. Staley called Cox’s hit towards his face a “cheap shot” when speaking with reporters on Monday, and the league is reviewing the incident to determine whether Cox should be fined or suspended according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Staley confirmed cheap shot from #Eagles Fletcher Cox. Said Cox’s hand must have gotten inside his face mask, which fractured orbital bone.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 30, 2017
NFL reviewing the play on which Fletcher Cox broke Joe Staley’s orbital bone for potential discipline and possible suspension, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2017
There doesn’t appear to be clear video evidence of the incident. Both the live telecast and All-22 tape show the two players engage before Staley falls to the ground as Cox puts his hands up.
The three-time All-Pro is expected to return this season according to Schefter. As pointed out by the good people at Niners Nation, Steelers linebacker James Harrison suffered the same injury in 2011, and missed four games.