What happened: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was removed from the injury report and cleared to play Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Samuel had been sidelined since mid-October after being expected to miss weeks with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Mike Evans will not play after being ruled out with an Achilles injury.

Why it matters: Samuel's return restores a key playmaker to a San Francisco passing attack navigating multiple injuries at wideout. The 49ers lead the conference at 7-1 and hold the NFC's top seed through eight games. Dallas enters Sunday at 4-5 following a 27-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

By the numbers: Evans in 2026 through 6 games: 27 receptions, 420 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns. San Francisco is 7-1 through 8 games in 2026 (No. 1 seed in NFC); Dallas is 4-5 through 9 games in 2026.

What to watch: San Francisco faces Dallas on Sunday with Samuel back in the lineup. The 49ers will monitor Evans' recovery ahead of their next contest as he continues rehab for Achilles tendinitis.

Sources