Cowboys given an opportunity to beat the 49ers in Week 8

The Dallas Cowboys have had a lot of success over the previous three seasons by winning 12 games in each. However, they’ve had one mountain that they haven’t been able to climb, and that’s the San Francisco 49ers. No matter the setting or how well they’re playing or not, the Cowboys always fold to the 49ers. Over this span, Dallas has lost to San Francisco three times, including twice in the playoffs. This Sunday, the Cowboys will play the 49ers for the third consecutive time in San Francisco, but one thing is a little different this time around.

Coming into this contest, the 49ers have their fair share of injuries, and it got even worse against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL, ending his 2024 campaign. Deebo Samuel, who played just four snaps, left the game with an illness that has been described as “pneumonia-like,” and he has fluid in his lungs. He’s currently hospitalized with no timetable for his return. Also, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he’d be surprised if running back Christian McCaffrey were to play against the Cowboys.

Kyle Shanahan confirms WR Brandon Aiyuk tore his ACL and he is out for the season.

Also adds Deebo Samuel had an illness that was “pneumonia-like” and had fluid in his lungs.

Deebo is currently in the hospital.

— Clayton Holloway (@HollowayNFLN) October 21, 2024

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he would be “surprised” if Christian McCaffrey were able to play Sunday night vs. the Cowboys, but he added that San Francisco’s star RB could be back after the bye on Nov. 10 vs. the Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/z62goGjRLW

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2024

On the other hand, Dallas could be getting some guys back. There’s hope that All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland will make his season debut. He suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which put him on injured reserve. Micah Parsons, who has been dealing with a high ankle sprain, has high hopes that he’ll suit up against the 49ers, but his status is still in the air. Also, rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton is working to get back on the field of battle. He was injured versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and didn’t play against the Detroit Lions. So, he’ll have to show plenty of progression this week in order to be back in as a starter, which will be the case when he’s cleared.

This isn’t in any way to glorify the fact that the 49ers are injured. After all, the best teams want to play an opponent at full strength. However, the Cowboys need a win to keep pace in the NFC East. Plus, let’s face it, even at 3-4, the 49ers are a better team than the Cowboys, and they have a better roster. This is all to say that Dallas needs every advantage they can get when it comes to playing San Francisco, which puts much emphasis on them coming out ready to play on Sunday.

When the final injury reports come out later in the week, hopefully, the Cowboys will be getting these guys back or at least a couple of them as they look to slay this dragon.