There are some good things about the Dallas Cowboys injury report. However, some big names remain question marks. And the Week 10 injury report vs. the 49ers contains bad news involving Joey Porter Jr. for the Cowboys.
Porter took a DNP on Thursday after also missing Wednesday. It’s not looking great for him this week. Another issue for Porter is the contract-situation narrative. He said it’s the injured foot alone that is keeping him off the field, according to ESPN.
“I don't even know where that narrative come from,” Porter said. “I get it. It's the internet, but I really don't pay no attention to that or really care for that. My goal is to win games and play football, and that's what I want to do. So if there's any chance I could get on the field, I'm going to get on the field and do what I do best.”
Cowboys CB Joey Porter Jr. still not ruled out
Getting on the field for an important game is still in view, Porter said. But he added that he has to be able to do NFL football things.
“Just to be able to run, be able to cut,” Porter said. “I play a position where I got to guard the most athletic people on the field. So if I can't run, skip or jump, then I'm no use out there.”
Porter said his foot is in bad shape.
“The whole foot's jacked up,” Porter said. “I was playing on it for a while, and it just kept getting worse to where I had to shut it down. I feel like all the guys are wanting me to get back. They know what I could do when I'm out there on the field. I bring a presence out there that is a game-changing type presence. I'm just trying to get back out there as fast as possible.”
Certainly, the 49ers would have more difficulty with Porter on the field. They enter the game with multiple wide receiver injuries. Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are both questionable. That means Keenan Allen, Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, and Brandin Cooks will have to get the job done.
Adding Allen via trade at least gives the 49ers a puncher’s chance of getting things done through the air, according to ninerswire.com.
“When you look at it, it always starts with separating, catching the football,” Shanahan said. “He's always been as good as anyone at separating, as good of hands as anyone.
“Then how good he plays without the ball. He's a guy who blocks, who never takes a down off, is extremely competitive and a very smart, aware football player.”
Can Keenan Allen make an immediate impact in first 49ers game?
An absence by Porter could help. The 49ers plan to challenge the Cowboys with quarterback Brock Purdy. He has thrown for 1,980 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions.
It would likely make a big difference for Purdy if both Porter plays and Allen can't fit into the mix right away. However, if the reverse happens, Purdy should have a good shot at a solid game.
The Cowboys rank No. 19 in the NFL against the pass, but are No. 31 against the run. So the 49ers will likely give them heavy doses of Christian McCaffrey. But they could also throw to McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle.