49ers Pro Bowler Joe Staley out eight weeks with broken fibula

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 2-0 on the season with a convincing win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but an injury to starting left tackle Joe Staley put a damper on the victory.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after his team’s 41-17 win that Staley suffered a broken fibula and is expected to miss at least eight weeks. The hope is that the injury will not be season-ending.

#49ers OT Joe Staley has a broken fibula, per coach Kyle Shanahan. The early thought is that it’s not season-ending but they’ll have more info Monday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2019

Staley, a six-time Pro Bowler, had missed just four games in the past eight seasons heading into 2019. He has been one of the most consistent offensive lineman in football, and the Niners could have a hard time protecting Jimmy Garoppolo without him.

Staley, 35, is a former first-round pick and captain for San Francisco. His veteran leadership will be just as difficult to replace as his experience in pass protection.