C.J. Beathard took some hard hits Sunday in the 49ers’ 29-27 loss to the Chargers. With Jimmy Garoppolo gone for the season, Beathard played well – and was tough – in his first start of 2018.
But backing up Beathard is Nick Mullens, promoted from the practice squad. While the 49ers believe Beathard gives them a chance to win, Mullens would be a big drop-off. So, protecting Beathard will be one of the most important jobs the offensive line has this season.
Yet on Sunday against the Chargers, the 49ers lost Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley to a knee injury. That forced veteran journeyman Garry Gilliam into Staley’s spot, a key to protecting Beathard’s blind side.
Now the question is, will Staley be able to return this Sunday when the 49ers play host to the Arizona Cardinals, or will the team have to make do with Gilliam?
The team reported Staley, 34, injured his right knee during the game. Afterward, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch reported Staley was wearing a brace on the knee. Niners sources told Branch they don’t believe Staley suffered a torn ACL, which would end his season. But, he’ll have an MRI Monday to determine the extent of the injury.
The offensive line by the end of the day was limping along with Staley. Center Weston Richburg and rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey also suffered knee injuries and had to leave the game for a while, but were able to return.
After the game, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said losing both offensive tackles at the same time late in the first half Sunday “was scary.”
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“Staley wasn’t able to return,” he said. “I’m happy McGlinchey toughed it out. His obviously wasn’t as bad as Staley’s but I know it was hard for him to go that second half. I’m real proud of our center … He battled through that entire game and we needed him to because there weren’t many guys left.”
Shanahan acknowledged that recent injuries have left a thinned roster and he may have to bring in some players to fill in.
“We’re banged up at O-line, safety, receiver, quarterback,” he said. “So it all plays out, but we’re going to try to get enough guys in there to play.”
The 49ers-Cardinals game this Sunday at Levi’s Stadium is set for a kickoff at 1:25 p.m.
