The 49ers face the Cowboys on Sunday night in a battle between teams struggling to meet expectations this season.
Brock Purdy, who had been one of the league’s top quarterbacks early in the season, had a significant hiccup in last week’s home loss to the Chiefs, throwing three interceptions. Purdy lost his top two wideouts in the first half as Brandon Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and Deebo Samuel left the game with pneumonia.
Aiyuk is done for the season, adding to the 49ers’ health concerns, which include injuries to tight end George Kittle (foot), No. 3 wideout Jauan Jennings (hip) and running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) entering Sunday’s game. Reigning NFL offensive player of the year Christian McCaffrey has not played this season due to Achilles issues.
Amid those issues, the 49ers (3-4) are tied for last in the NFC West, though they are just a game behind the division-leading Seahawks (4-3) entering Sunday.
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The Cowboys (3-3) were off last week, but last time they took the field they were embarrassed at home by Detroit. They have their own injury concerns as star linebacker Micah Parsons missed practices this week with an ankle injury. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence and receiver Brandin Cooks are both on injured reserve after getting hurt earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, pressure has mounted on quarterback Dak Prescott, who signed a record four-year, $240 million extension before the season and ranks 23rd in the league in QBR so far.
Follow along below for updates on the game…