Offense hit with big loss: Staley out for 6 weeks

Offensive tackle Joe Staley said Monday that he hadn't been seriously injured in his Football career. His lucky streak just ended. The 49ers announced that their top offensive lineman will be out six weeks as a result of a sprained right knee he sustained in Sunday's 18-14 loss at Indianapolis when a pile of players rolled over his leg on the first offensive play. He wasn't the game's only casualty. Cornerback Nate Clements, who lost his starting spot to Tarell Brown, will be out 6-8 weeks with a broken right shoulder blade. A first-round draft pick in 2007, Staley was the first 49ers offensive lineman to start all 16 games as a rookie and has been a fixture at the critical left-tackle spot ever since then. He said he hasn't missed a game since his freshman year at Central Michigan, when he was out with a sprained ankle. Barry Sims subbed commendably Sunday for Staley, facing four-time Pro Bowl selection Dwight Freeney. The Colts' defensive end had just two tackles, and his one sack came on a stunt and wasn't at Sims' expense. "Barry did a good job, and running backs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee did a good job chipping the ends," said Staley, wearing a brace on his right leg. Before the results of Staley's MRI exam were known Monday, coach Mike Singletary said, "I'm hoping he will be back real quick, because he helps us tremendously. But at the same time, I know our offense will continue to get better, and we just have to continue to work around it and do whatever we have to do." With Adam Snyder starting at right tackle, the only other tackle on the roster is Chris Patrick, who recently was signed off Kansas City's practice squad. Reserve guard Tony Wragge said he could play tackle but hasn't done so in three years. Clements' future with the 49ers could be in doubt. His contract calls for $6 million in base salary next year, so it's possible he'll be asked to take a pay cut or be released. Clements, who turns 30 next month, said losing his starting role hurt. "It was tough," he said. "I want to be professional about it. I'd do anything to help my teammates get back on track." He sidestepped a question about his future with the organization, saying he wasn't sure if his demotion was only for one game or not. When the medical test results became known later, that became a moot point. Asked if Brown, in his third year, is ready to be a starter, Singletary left no doubt. "Oh yeah, he is ready," the coach said. Clements will not be placed on IR, so he might be available for a possible playoff game, Singletary said. "Clements has earned the right to play," he said. Broken shoulder blades have been a strangely common injury among the 49ers this year. Wide receiver Brandon Jones missed six weeks with the same injury in training camp, and offensive tackle Tony Pashos went on injured reserve with one last week. Clements played a few snaps in nickel packages before being injured on a punt return in the second quarter. Jones took over the duties on punt returns and made a major mistake by fielding one at his 3-yard line in the fourth quarter instead of letting the ball bounce into the end zone for a touchback. Following his 3-yard return, the 49ers made two first downs but then had to punt. The 49ers have been struggling on punt returns since return specialist Allen Rossum was released Oct. 12 to make room on the roster for top draft pick Michael Crabtree. Rossum, 34, was picked up by the Cowboys but pulled a hamstring on his first kick return with Dallas and hasn't played since then. Another injured 49er , backup defensive tackle Demetric Evans, is out three weeks with a sprained shoulder.