Cowboys vs. 49ers injury report: Keanu Neal ruled out
The Dallas Cowboys looked to be on their way against the San Francisco 49ers in their Wild Card game on Sunday. Then Thursday came and linebacker Keanu Neal was unable to participate in the Cowboys’ padded practice. That’s a bit of a problem on defense since Neal forms the linebacking trio that takes most of the snaps on defense with Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch. Now he has been dropped from Sunday’s game.
Cowboys LB Keanu Neal (chest/elbow) was ruled out for Sunday’s playoff game against the 49ers. Everyone on the 53-player roster carries no gaming status designation.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 14, 2022
As noted, everyone looks good for the Cowboys as no other players have received a game designation.
Safety Jayron Kearse has improved since his hamstring injury.
Cowboys S Jayron Kearse’s hamstrings “look good,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “I think the time spent has definitely helped him.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) January 14, 2022
And Kearse is not lacking in confidence in his upcoming battle with tight end George Kittle.
Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse called 49ers TE George Kittle one of the best TEs in the NFL, if not the best, but added, “He has to fight me too. I kind of get ticked off when I get asked Kittle this and Kittle that. He must play with me too. We’ll see how that plays out.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 14, 2022
The full report.
No Keanu Neal for Sunday, which leaves the Cowboys pretty thin at linebacker — especially against a running game like this.
Great spot for Jayron Kearse and Donovan Wilson to step in. pic.twitter.com/MltMhGIxs3
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) January 14, 2022
Trent Williams, by all accounts, appears to be playing for the 49ers in the game.
All-Pro LT Trent Williams (elbow) is back on the practice court. He looks like he’s ready for Sunday’s game. It is intended that this practice be performed at an approximate passing speed before the #49ers see you in Dallas this afternoon.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 14, 2022
Like most other injured 49ers players.
Trent Williams, Jimmy Garoppolo and, well, just about every 49er on the active roster are in attendance for the start of today’s practice. The exception is Azeez Al-Shaair. We’ll see how SF lists it later today.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 14, 2022
