Mike Evans ruled out and Trent Williams questionable as 49ers face Cowboys
San Francisco will be without receiver Mike Evans for a third straight game Sunday, while star tackle Trent Williams is questionable with a shoulder injury as the NFC-leading 49ers prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys.
The San Francisco 49ers will be without receiver Mike Evans for a third straight game when they face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, while veteran left tackle Trent Williams is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. The team's injury concerns come as the 49ers, at 7-1, hold the best record in the NFC entering the matchup, and the availability of key starters will shape how the offense and defense match up against Dallas.
Evans has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis. He left the Week 6 game against Washington early because of the injury and has missed the two games since then. He has not practiced since that game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Evans is making progress and could return the following week, when the 49ers play Minnesota in Mexico. For a receiver who has spent the season as a primary option in the passing game, the extended absence has forced San Francisco to rely on other pass catchers while he works back toward full health.
Williams' status is more uncertain for this weekend. He hurt his shoulder during practice earlier this week, left practice early Thursday and sat out Friday. Shanahan said he is hopeful Williams will be able to play Sunday. Williams, 38, is a 12-time Pro Bowler and one of the team's captains, so his availability carries significant weight on the offensive line. If he cannot go, Vederian Lowe is likely to start at left tackle, which would require the unit to adjust its protection schemes against a Dallas pass rush.
The injury report extends well beyond the offensive line and the receiving corps. Cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green were limited in practice Friday after missing two sessions, and both were hurt in last week's game against Las Vegas. Their status matters for a secondary that will be tested by Dallas' passing attack. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is also questionable with a knee injury he suffered in Thursday's practice. Nate Hobbs (adductor), Upton Stout (shoulder and neck) and C.J. West (knee) are also listed as questionable, meaning San Francisco could make late decisions on several depth-chart players before kickoff.
There was some positive news on the roster. Deebo Samuel returns after missing three games with a hamstring injury, adding a familiar weapon back to the passing game. Keenan Allen is also set to make his debut with the team after being traded from Indianapolis earlier this week, giving the 49ers a new veteran target as they look to keep their momentum going. Together, the returns of Samuel and the addition of Allen give San Francisco more options at receiver even as Evans remains sidelined.
The 49ers' record of 7-1 leads the NFC and puts them in a strong position heading into the midpoint of the season. Sunday's game against Dallas is a chance to extend that run, but the health of Williams, Evans and the cornerbacks will determine how much depth San Francisco can call on. The team's medical staff and coaches will update their injury designations as the week goes on, and fans will have to wait until final inactives are released to know exactly who will take the field.
Source: foxnews.com
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