SANTA CLARA -- Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley is officially listed as “questionable” on the 49ers’ injury report. But there’s no question in his mind.
Staley said he will be in the starting lineup on Sunday when the 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park.
Originally, the MCL sprain in Staley's right knee was expected to keep him out of action for at least one game. But Staley practiced Thursday and Friday and said he would return to action this week even if he were not playing against the 49ers’ biggest rival.
“I’d play against anybody,” Staley said. “This is what I’m expected to do. I’m expected to go out and play. If I can play, I’m going to play.
“Looking back on it, knowing what I know now, I’m kind of upset that I put those guys in a bad situation last week. But they stepped up and did a great job.”
Cornerback Tarell Brown said the organization has instructed him not to disclose exact nature of the internal injury he sustained when he injured his ribs Nov. 17 against New Orleans. But he said it was diagnosed as a 4- to 6-week injury.
Brown returned for his second week of limited practice. Brown said he should be back before the end of the regular season and he will have to endure some pain from the injury. Tramaine Brock will make his third consecutive start in place of Brown.
49ers status report
Questionable
WR Jon Baldwin (calf), CB Tarell Brown (ribs), G Mike Iupati (knee), WR Mario Manningham (knee), TE Vance McDonald (ankle), LB Dan Skuta (foot), T Joe Staley (knee)
Probable
LB Navorro Bowman (wrist), TE Garrett Celek (hamstring), RB Frank Gore (ankle), DT Ray McDonald (ankle), LB Aldon Smith (shoulder), DT Justin Smith (shoulder)
Seahawks status report
Out
CB Brandon Browner (groin), WR Percy Harvin (hip)
Questionable
QB Tarvaris Jackson (illness)
Probable
S Kam Chancellor (hip), TE Kellen Davis (neck), DE Bruce Irvin (thigh), RB Marshawn Lynch (not injury related), WR Golden Tate (hip)
