SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – The San Francisco 49ers should look to the Dallas Cowboys for an example of how to thrive while missing some star players.
With Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and two starting offensive lineman sidelined by injuries, the Cowboys still managed to beat San Francisco 24-17 Sunday for their third straight win.
Now the Niners (1-3) head into a short week following their third straight loss dealing with injuries to two key defensive players, most notably star linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Bowman was carted off the field with a lower left leg injury that appeared to be serious after he went down without contact in the third quarter.
“It is tough to see anyone go down,” safety Eric Reid said. “We will see what happens and the next guy has to step in and that is what we have to do. That next guy has some big shoes to fill.”
First-round defensive lineman DeForest Buckner also left with an injury and had a walking boot on his left foot after the game, leaving two potential holes in a defense with a Thursday night game upcoming against Arizona.