The San Francisco 49ers will be without an edge blocker and an edge defender for their Week 12 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. On Friday, the team designated left tackle Joe Staley and defensive end Dee Ford as out for the highly-anticipated NFC tilt.
Staley had surgery on his right finger following Week 10's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. If he had not gone under the knife, his finger would be permanently bent forward at a 90-degree angle. The 49ers listed Staley as one who did not practice all week heading into the game.
With Staley out, the 49ers will employ the help of rookie Justin Skule at left tackle. He impressed while starting in-place of the veteran Staley earlier in the season — who was out for a broken leg.
Ford will miss his first game with the 49ers on Sunday. He is dealing with quadricep and hamstring injuries. The 2018 Pro Bowler — with the Kansas City Chiefs — has struggled to consistently rush the passer with the 49ers, as he has played in 40% or more snaps in just two games in 2019. He is battling knee tendinitis, an issue that arose before training camp.
However, despite his inability to stay on the field for long stretches, Ford is an integral part of the 49ers' stingy pass-rush. He has 6.5 sacks on the season.
Starting on Sunday versus the 8-2 Packers, 49ers are entering the toughest stretch of the season. In Week 13, they will travel to face the 8-2 Baltimore Ravens, then will take another road trip to brawl with the 8-2 New Orleans Saints.
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