Left tackle Joe Staley received full clearance and is expected to play in the 49ers' game Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a source told CSNBayArea.com late Sunday.Staley sustained a concussion last week in the first quarter of the 49ers' 21-19 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Staley appeared to be injured on the 49ers' first offensive play of the game when his head collided with the knee of defensive end Calais Campbell on an attempted cut block.He exited the game seven plays later after hitting helmets with outside linebacker Clark Haggans.
The NFL's protocol on concussions requires that a player must be cleared to return by both his team physician and an independent neurological consultant.Staley participated in limited practice Saturday, at which time 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said he was "progressing well."Alex Boone, who played last week in Staley's place, practiced with the starters at left tackle on Thursday and Friday. Staley is expected to return to the starting lineup Monday.Linebacker Patrick Willis, who has not practiced since sustaining a right hamstring strain Dec. 4 against the St. Louis Rams, is not expected to be available for Monday's game.Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to start after showing enough progress in practice Saturday. Roethlisberger is listed as questionable with a high left ankle sprain.
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