49ers Notes: Staley wants old job back sooner rather than later

<p>SANTA CLARA — Left tackle Joe Staley pointed to the 49ers’ game Monday night since the moment he received a diagnosis of his knee injury early last month.</p><p>Staley was told the sprains to right knee ligaments would require six to eight weeks of rehabilitation. When he looked at the schedule, he saw it was possible to make it back in six weeks to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.</p><p>He returned to limited practice Thursday, as the 49ers began preparations to face the NFC West-leading Cardinals. Staley took part in only the individual period at the beginning of practice.</p><p>“We’ll just kind of bring him back slowly and see how it goes from day-to-day, and we’ll go from there,” 49ers coach Mike Singletary said Thursday.</p><p>Veteran Barry Sims has played well since filling in for Staley after the first play of the 49ers’ Nov.1 game against the Indianapolis Colts. But Staley wants his old job back sooner than later.</p><p>“I’m excited with the way I feel,” Staley said. “If everything goes well out there, I’ll be on track to play Monday.”</p><p>EXTRA POINTS</p><p>Cornerback Nate Clements (shoulder) has been ruled out of action with a broken shoulder blade. The club expects him to have a chance at playing the final two games of the season.</p><p>Linebacker Takeo Spikes (hamstring) and receiver Isaac Bruce (ankle) did not practice. Defensive lineman Justin Smith was given his usual day off to rest up.</p><p>Safety Michael Lewis (quadriceps) had limited work, and receiver Brandon Jones (thumb) went through a full practice.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com</p>