FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers will square off once again on Sunday. Yes, the two sides will, in fact, be able to field enough healthy players to get the game in.
Dallas and San Francisco are two of the most banged-up teams in football heading into their Week 8 matchup, particularly the 49ers’ offense and particularly the Cowboys’ defense.
First and foremost, each unit is likely to be missing its best player.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has said that star running back Christian McCaffrey, who has yet to play a game this season due to Achilles tendinitis, isn’t expected to return until after San Francisco’s bye week. Meanwhile WR Deebo Samuel has been hospitalized with pneumonia this week. He, WR Jauan Jennings and TE George Kittle missed practice on Wednesday.
That might be a weight off the Cowboys’ defense, but it has a handful of injury issues on its own, starting of course with Micah Parsons. The star pass rusher is recovering from a high ankle sprain and participated with the rehab group on Wednesday, but did not practice.
Cornerback DaRon Bland (stress fracture) went through light conditioning drills but also missed practice.
Fellow corner Caelen Carson, however, returned to practice on Wednesday and was a full participant. He hasn’t played since Week 3 with a shoulder injury.
“For me, I’m trying to get back on the field as fast as I can,’’ Carson said after practice. “Trying to help the team win and be there for my team.”
Starting linebacker Eric Kendricks was a limited participant on Wednesday with a shoulder injury. Kendricks missed the Lions game on Oct. 13 with calf and shoulder injuries.
Kendricks was noncommittal about his playing status against the 49ers on Sunday.
“Man, we got San Francisco this week, I’m just going to focus on that and take care of my body,” he said. “In the meantime, I am working hard to get back. I take very good care of my body, take it very seriously. I am a professional in all the sense of it.”
Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, who was placed on injured reserve Sept. 18 with a wrist issue, had his 21-day practice window start on Wednesday.
Earlier in the season, Phillips was perplexed why he was placed on injured reserve and remains that way.
“We’ll see what they do,” Phillips said of the team’s plans. “We’ll see what they say. ... Whenever I get some communication, I’ll let you guys know.”
Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was also absent Wednesday. No cause for concern: Aubrey missed practice because of jury duty.
Staff writer Calvin Watkins contributed to this report.
Twitter: @dmn_cowboys
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