The San Francisco 49ers have the best record in the NFC through their first eight games, but there is no satisfaction in the 49ers locker room just because the Niners have a 7-1 record. They have a significant 2.5-game lead in the NFC West over the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, but head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to push his team hard.
That is going to continue when the 49ers are on the sidelines in Dallas to take on the Cowboys. The Niners and Cowboys remain traditional rivals even if the Cowboys are decades away from the time they went head-to-head with the 49ers for NFC honors. Look for the Niners to come out with one of their best efforts at AT&T Stadium.
The 49ers have a powerful and versatile team and they are led by QB Brock Purdy and RB Christian McCaffrey. However, their wide receiver crew will not be at full strength because Mike Evans' Achilles injury will not allow him to play in this game.
As a result, the 49ers are going to work new acquisition Keenan Allen into the lineup in an attempt to get some juice from the WR position. While the Niners have been doing the little things to win games, they are not getting much from their wide receivers other than Evans, and he is clearly sidelined for this game.
In addition to his size and skill, Evans sets the tone for the other receivers on the team, and his injury pushed the Niners into acquiring Allen to help the receiving crew.
Allen has the experience to help the Niners in clutch situations
Allen was just acquired at the trade deadline and he is expected to play against the Cowboys. Allen nearly signed with the 49ers in the offseason before he decided to sign a contract with the Colts. He has 40 receptions so far this season for 351 yards and 1 TD.
Allen is a 14-year veteran who spent 12 years with Chargers before spending one season with the Chicago Bears and then signing with the Colts during the offseason. Allen has exceeded the 1,000-yard mark six times in his career. He had his best season in 2017 when he caught 102-1,393-6.
Purdy appreciates what he has seen from Allen in practice during the last few days. “I feel like he understands our plays and our formations, and he's been around the block and understands what the routes are and where he needs to be,” Purdy said, per Keith Watkins. “I really do think he's got a good grasp on what we're doing this week.”
The Niners have depended on tight end George Kittle and McCaffrey for the majority of their success in the passing game in addition to Evans' contribution. Kittle is the team's leading receiver with 38 receptions for 483 yards and 5 TDs. Kittle is a major asset, with a team-leading 232 yards after making the catch. McCaffrey has 36 receptions for 270 yards and 1 TD.
Shanahan may also look to backup receiver Jordan Watkins. He has not done much to this point — 10-224-1 — but his 22.4 yards per catch average could indicate that he is capable of stretching the defense.
Niners have other injuries that could impact the game
In addition to Evans' status, the most concerning Niners injury on the offensive side of the ball concern OT Trent Williams. He has a shoulder issue that limited him during the team's Thursday practice and did not allow him to participate Friday. He is a 12-time Pro Bowl left tackle and if he can't play, that's a huge blow for the offense. If he can play but is unable to compete at the highest level, it will make it very difficult for Purdy to feel comfortable in the pocket.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has a hamstring issue, but was a full participant in Friday's practice. Fellow wideout Demarcus Robinson has an ankle issue but was also a full participant.
On the defensive side, linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been listed as questionable with a knee injury. Greenlaw is second on the team in tackles with 57 stops. He also had 3 tackles for loss while forcing 1 fumble and recovering another.
Cornerback Renardo Green has a back issue and he is also considered questionable. Green has 30 tackles, 6 passes defensed and a team-leading 4 interceptions. He has a chance to be a very valuable weapon if he can hunt down an interception against Cowboys QB Dak Prescott.
Green is not the only member of the secondary with an injury issue. CB Deommodore Lenoir is questionable with a foot injury while nickel back Upton Stout has shoulder and neck issues and is also listed as questionable.