The San Francisco 49ers will be without their veteran left tackle in Week 8 as the team hosts the Carolina Panthers. Heading in to the week, Kyle Shanahan noted there was an "outside chance" Joe Staley would be active as the team officially listed him as doubtful for Sunday's game. Staley has missed the last four contests while dealing with a broken fibula suffered in the Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. While Staley was initially expected to miss 6-8 weeks, the tackle appears to be ahead of schedule, as he was a limited participant in this week's practices. Rookie Justin Skule will continue to get the start in his absence. The 49ers will be cautious in Staley's return as the team has a short turnaround ahead of their Week 9 Thursday night contest against the Arizona Cardinals.