As Expected, No Unforeseen Injuries In 49ers Season Opener
By Jerrell Richardson
While there will be a lot of new faces on the 49ers defensive side of the ball this Sunday, none will be due to injuries—or at least injuries that have surprised San Francisco. While the Cowboys did lose their star middle linebacker Sean Lee to an injury early in the preseason, the injury report for both the 49ers and Cowboys indicate that if nothing else, the two teams have done a good job managing injuries through the preseason. While there are some big names on both squads that have missed some sort practice this week, the only significant player on either sideline in danger of missing the season opener is the 49ers Anthony Davis, and even he has not been ruled out.
49ers Already Without Bowman and Smith
Not listed on the 49ers injury report are two big names: NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith. However, both of these players were expected to be out, which is something that the team has been able to prepare for all preseason. Thus the only real injury to have an impact in terms of scrambling to find coverage Sunday is that to Anthony Davis. The 49ers starting tackle has been getting over offseason shoulder surgery so the fact that it's his hamstring and not shoulder could be looked at as a good sign. While his status remains uncertain, Davis' absence would thrust Jonathan Martin into the starting lineup.
While third-string center Marcus Martin missing the game does not figure to be a big deal, it becomes a bigger deal if Davis is unable to go as it would leave the 49ers with only 3 backup offensive lineman to get through a game. While this is clearly less than ideal, if there is any team that San Francisco could get away with a thin offensive front it's the Cowboys.
Limited In Practice Means Ready To Go
Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree, tight end Vance McDonald and Cornerback Chris Culliver were all limited in practice this week which means they will be suited up come Sunday. Crabtree is from Texas and it will take more than a sore calf to keep him off the field, while McDonald and Culliver are limited due to precautions more than a real injury concern.
San Francisco 49ers
Did Not Participate In Practice
- Tackle-Anthony Davis: Hamstring
- Center-Marcus Martin: Knee
Limited Participation in Practice
- Wide Receiver-Michael Crabtree: Calf
- Cornerback-Chris Culliver: Ankle
- Tight End-Vance McDonald: Hamstring
Dallas Offense Could Be Undermanned, Romo Is FIne
Dallas has no one player who, if missed the opener, would put his team behind the eight ball, but the collection of players who are not 100% make the Cowboys - at least on paper - appear very vulnerable. With the concerns surrounding the Dallas defense, it figures to put a lot of pressure on the offense, who could be without wide receiver Terrance Williams, who is dealing with a sore back. While quarterback Tony Romo still has plenty of other options, if unable to go, Williams will certainly be missed. The only other player whom Dallas would also say they would truly miss is rookie Guard Zack Martin who will be needed to ensure that the Cowboys remain competitive at the point of attack.
The rest of the injured Cowboys are players who did not figure to have an impact on Sunday. While both teams will need to rotate players in and out through the contest, the main players will be on the field and as healthy. The one glaring name on the Cowboy report is their starting quarterback Tony Romo, but he has been a full participant in practice and will show no signs of a bad back Sunday, at least until he takes a few shots or makes a bad throw.
Dallas Cowboys
Did Not Participate In Practice
- Defensive End-Anthony Spencer: Knee
- Tackle-Darrion Weems: Shoulder
- Wide Receiver-Terrance Williams: Back
Limited Participation in Practice
- Guard-Zack Martin: Foot
- Defensive Tackle-Terrell McClain: Ankle
- Defensive End-George Selvie: Shoulder
Full Participation in Practice
- Quarterback-Tony Romo: Back
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Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.