Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

A few injury-related thoughts after returning from Arizona and taking a glance around the NFC West infirmary following Week 8:

• The 49ers have no immediate plans to place tackle Joe Staley or cornerback Nate Clements on injured reserve despite their at least moderately serious injuries. Depth in the secondary should be good enough to cover for Clements' absence. I have my doubts about the 49ers' offensive line without Staley. Opponents figure to fare better against backup Barry Sims once they have prepared for him. Also, it's reasonable to expect a veteran backup left tackle to get a team through a game or two. Starting week after week tends to expose weaknesses, particularly in a pass-protecting tackle. The Staley injury is unfortunate for the 49ers because their offense is otherwise showing promise -- perhaps enough promise to keep the pressure on Arizona.
• The Rams described left guard Jacob Bell's latest injury as relating to his neck. Bell has improved significantly this season largely because he's been healthier. This injury is a setback on that front. The Rams could be without both starting guard for their Week 10 game against the Saints. Backups Mark Setterstrom and Adam Goldberg have played well in those spots. The Rams might be able to weather this situation if rookie right tackle Jason Smith continues to improve. I'm going to watch the Detroit game more closely tonight, with an eye on Smith.
• The Seahawks somewhat miraculously made it through their latest game without suffering additional serious injuries. The team did release backup cornerback Travis Fisher, perhaps an indication the Seahawks feel good about Ken Lucas' ability to return from the shoulder injury he suffered Sunday. Cornerback Marcus Trufant's ability to get back through his first game back from injury might also have been a factor.
• The Cardinals did not immediately rule out receiver Anquan Boldin following his latest right ankle injury. That doesn't mean much this early in the week, however. League rules require teams to be forthcoming about injuries beginning Wednesday. Boldin has proven he can play through pain, so it's possible the Cardinals could wait until Saturday before making a determination. Boldin was obviously hurting after aggravating the injury Sunday. He initially allowed medical personnel to assist him while he walked. I saw Boldin walking through the locker room under his own power after the game. His right foot was bare as he walked.

Update: The official word from the 49ers has Clements missing 6-8 weeks, Staley missing 6 weeks and defensive lineman Demetric Evans missing 3 weeks. Clements has a fractured right scapula. Staley suffered sprains to the medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee. Evans suffered a sprained left shoulder.