The San Francisco 49ers will be without wide receiver Mike Evans for a third consecutive game Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys after he was ruled out due to Achilles tendinitis. Meanwhile, left tackle Trent Williams remains questionable after missing practice Thursday and Friday with a shoulder injury, leaving his availability in doubt for the NFC-leading 49ers.
Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and rookie Renardo Green were limited participants Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday practices with injuries sustained against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (knee) and defensive backs Nate Hobbs (adductor) and Upton Stout (shoulder, neck) were also listed as questionable. Defensive tackle C.J. West (knee) rounded out San Francisco’s injury report.
Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed cautious optimism about Williams’ return, noting the veteran’s history of resilience. "The left tackle in general is always huge. Then a guy of Trent’s caliber is huge," Shanahan said. If Williams cannot play, Vederian Lowe would likely start in his place.
For the Cowboys, George Pickens is expected to return after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury. Dallas listed him as a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday, and he carries no injury designation for Sunday. Pickens told reporters Friday, "Tell your wife or your girl to turn the TV on, and she’ll see me on the field," signaling confidence in his availability. The Cowboys’ passing game has relied heavily on CeeDee Lamb, who recorded 10 catches for 195 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over Indianapolis.
San Francisco has addressed its receiver shortage by acquiring Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts before the trade deadline. The 49ers (7-1) host the Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. Deebo Samuel, who has missed since Week 5 with a hamstring strain, is expected to play.
Injury Impact on Key Players
- Mike Evans (49ers): Ruled out for third straight game with Achilles tendinitis. Shanahan noted Evans is "real close" to returning but will not play Sunday.
- Trent Williams (49ers): Questionable after shoulder injury; Shanahan called his potential absence a "major challenge" for the 49ers’ offense.
- George Pickens (Cowboys): Expected to return after missing one game with a hamstring issue, adding a key target for Dak Prescott.