Montana Ailing; Cavanaugh May Start

Joe Montana was held out of practice Thursday because of his sore left shoulder, and Coach Bill Walsh said backup quarterback Matt Cavanaugh probably will start Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles if Montana is unable to practice Friday.

“There’s no pain, but it’s still sore,” said Walsh, who was confident two days earlier that Montana, injured in a win over the Rams last Sunday, would be practicing by Thursday. “I would say that if he doesn’t practice Friday, we could very well go with Matt Cavanaugh.

“I feel very solid about Matt.”

Cavanaugh started one game, at Philadelphia, last season and threw three touchdown passes in a 21-9 victory over the Eagles. Montana had bruised ribs then.

Running back Wendell Tyler also was held out of Thursday’s practice because of a sprained ankle. He is expected back today.