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Both players sustained their respective injuries during Thursday's practice session. Williams is managing a shoulder issue that kept him out of Friday's session entirely, while Greenlaw, who is dealing with a knee injury, was limited in his participation. Shanahan expressed cautious optimism regarding their status, though he acknowledged the short turnaround time between the practice injury and Sunday's kickoff.
Contingency Plans and Roster Updates
Should Williams be unable to take the field, the team is prepared to deploy Vederian Lowe at left tackle. In the event that Greenlaw is sidelined, rookie Jaden Dugger is slated to step into the weakside linebacker position. Shanahan emphasized the importance of the next-man-up mentality, noting that the depth players have shown their capability during previous opportunities this season.
The injury report extends beyond the two starters, with several members of the secondary also listed as questionable. Cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Upton Stout are all battling injuries and face a race against time to be cleared for the Cowboys game. Additionally, defensive tackle C.J. West and defensive back Nate Hobbs are currently working their way back from injured reserve, with potential activation decisions expected on Saturday.
In more positive news for the 49ers' offense, wide receiver Deebo Samuel is set to return to the lineup. Having been sidelined since Week 5 with a hamstring injury, Samuel completed a full week of practice and has been cleared for action. Shanahan noted that Samuel has managed his recovery well and is ready to reintegrate into the game plan.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Mike Evans will miss his third consecutive game as he continues to recover from Achilles tendinitis. The injury, which first flared up during the Week 6 contest against the Washington Commanders, will keep him out of the lineup this weekend. Shanahan indicated that while Evans is progressing, the team is prioritizing a full recovery to prevent further issues. There remains a possibility that Evans could return for next week's game against the Minnesota Vikings, though his status remains uncertain at this stage.
