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Mike Evans ruled out, Trent Williams questionable as NFC-leading 49ers’ injury concerns persist
The San Francisco 49ers have ruled wide receiver Mike Evans out of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, while left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with a shoulder injury. The NFC-leading team’s growing injury list could affect its chances, although it will have additional options at receiver.
Evans will miss a third consecutive game as he recovers from Achilles tendinitis; coach Kyle Shanahan said he may be able to return next week against Minnesota. Williams, a 38-year-old 12-time Pro Bowler, missed Friday’s practice, with Vederian Lowe a likely replacement if he cannot play. Deebo Samuel is set to return from a hamstring injury, and newly acquired Keenan Allen is expected to make his 49ers debut; several defensive players are also listed as questionable.
In short
- Mike Evans is out for a third straight game.
- Trent Williams is questionable with a shoulder injury.
- Deebo Samuel returns and Keenan Allen is set to debut.
Explained simply
The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys are teams in the National Football League (NFL), which is divided into two conferences. The 49ers play in the National Football Conference (NFC), and their position near the top of it puts them in contention for the play-offs, the end-of-season competition for the championship.
Mike Evans is a wide receiver, whose job is to catch passes, while Trent Williams is a left tackle who protects the quarterback from defenders. Their availability can affect both the passing game and the time the quarterback has to make a play. Coach Kyle Shanahan leads the 49ers, who also have Deebo Samuel and new signing Keenan Allen as receiver options.
Injuries can make it harder for a team to field its usual line-up, and replacements may have less experience in their roles. The 49ers’ prospects therefore depend in part on how they cope with absences across the squad during the game against Dallas.