The San Francisco 49ers have released their inactive list for their Week 8 matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night:
- QB Joshua Dobbs
- DL Kevin Givens
- K Jake Moody
- WR Jauan Jennings
- OL Ben Bartch
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- LB Jalen Graham
There aren’t many surprises, as Kevin Givens (groin), Jauan Jennings (hip), and Jake Moody (ankle) were all ruled out ahead of Sunday’s game.
Givens’s groin issue popped up after he was questionable and active heading into last weekend’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with the same injury. He was unable to practice at all this week. The 49ers added defensive lineman Evan Anderson to their 53-man roster earlier this week, getting extra depth along the interior.
Moody’s injury was initially expected to be a multi-week injury, so it’s no surprise that he won’t be able to play on Sunday. Kicker Anders Carlson was called up from the practice squad as a result.
Elsewhere, reserve cornerback Darrell Luter is back active after dealing with a pelvic injury last week that prompted him to be on the inactives list. As a result, veteran Rock Ya-Sin is a healthy scratch.
The big news for San Francisco is that tight end George Kittle, who was dealing with a foot issue and had been limited on Thursday and Friday, will be active and play against Dallas. He’ll join wideout Deebo Samuel as the top skill-position players that will suit up for San Francisco, as the latter is all healed from his bout with pneumonia-like symptoms and is cleared for Sunday’s game.
Elsewhere, defensive backs Deommodore Lenoir and George Odum are good to go after popping up on the injury report this week. Lenoir had an illness, prompting him to be limited on Friday and earn a questionable diagnosis heading into the weekend. In contrast, Odum was limited on Thursday and Friday while dealing with a knee issue.
On the Cowboys side, running back Rico Dowdle was a late scratch due to an illness, so Dallas will rely on veterans Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook in the backfield tonight.
Deebo Samuel's Status Remains Uncertain
The 49ers have been coy about Samuel's status leading up to the game. While he's been cleared to play after a bout with pneumonia, his ability to perform at his usual high level remains a question mark.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, while expressing cautious optimism about Samuel's recovery, acknowledged the unusual nature of his illness, stating, “Well, the fact he was able to be out there and attempt some stuff, to me is good news. I remember having pneumonia in my early twenties and I did not feel like I could even walk down stairs about a week later. So, there's all different types of levels of it. He's doing much better than, what I've learned is pneumonias can be a little bit different. He had kind of a little bit of an unusual one, but he's doing good enough that he was able to practice today, and hopefully, that will continue getting better. And hopefully, he'll be able to help us out on Sunday.”
It remains to be seen how effective Samuel will be if he does play, but his presence on the field would be a significant boost for the 49ers offense, especially with Jennings out.
49ers Offense Faces Challenges Without Jennings
The 49ers' offense will be without Jennings for at least another week, adding to the challenges they face against a tough Cowboys defense. Jennings' absence leaves a void in the receiving corps, as he leads the 49ers in receiving yards this season despite missing Week 7 with his hip injury.
“No, he’s not an IR candidate. Expected to get him back after the bye week. He’s not ruled out this week. Would definitely say he’s doubtful. I’d be surprised if he won’t be back after the bye week,” said Shanahan about Jennings' potential return.
With Jennings out, the 49ers will need to rely on rookie receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing to step up and fill the void.
Cowboys Missing Key Players in Defense
While the 49ers are dealing with their own injury concerns, the Cowboys are also missing key players on their defense. Micah Parsons, the All-Pro linebacker, was ruled out for the game after being limited in practice earlier in the week.
Dallas will also be without cornerback Daron Bland, who was also ruled out due to an injury.
These absences will undoubtedly weaken the Cowboys defense, providing an opportunity for the 49ers offense to exploit those vulnerabilities.
A Crucial Matchup for Both Teams
The matchup between the 49ers and Cowboys is a crucial one for both teams, as they are both vying for playoff spots. The 49ers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Chiefs last week, while the Cowboys are looking to maintain their momentum after a strong start to the season.
The game is expected to be a close one, with both teams boasting talented rosters and capable offenses. The outcome of the game could have a significant impact on the playoff race in the NFC.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers will be looking to get back on track with a win against the Cowboys. With a healthy Kittle and a potential return of Samuel, the 49ers offense has the potential to be explosive.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, will be looking to prove their mettle against a tough 49ers defense despite the absences of Parsons and Bland.
The outcome of this game will be a significant indicator of each team's playoff aspirations. This game will undoubtedly be a thrilling and closely contested affair, with high stakes for both teams.
