The San Francisco 49ers plan to use newly acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has called the matchup the biggest game of the year. San Francisco enters at 7-1 and atop the NFC, while Dallas is trying to stay in contention after a disappointing start.
The 49ers have dealt with injuries at wide receiver throughout the season, including Mike Evans being sidelined with Achilles tendinitis. To add depth, San Francisco traded a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Allen on Tuesday. He arrived in the Bay Area after midnight, reported to the team facility before 6 a.m. Wednesday, and completed his physical.
## Allen Set for His 49ers Debut
Allen’s move from trade to game day happened quickly. He was at the Colts’ facility Tuesday morning when he learned he had been traded, then packed a bag and flew west. On Friday, Shanahan confirmed that Allen would make his 49ers debut against Dallas.
Allen said joining the team gave him a boost, praising the locker room and the players’ accomplishments in recent years. “I’m running on just pure energy right now,” he said.
The veteran nearly joined San Francisco as a free agent before choosing Indianapolis in the offseason. He recorded 40 receptions for 351 yards and a touchdown in eight games with the Colts before the trade brought him to the team he had nearly signed with months earlier.
## What Allen Adds to San Francisco
Allen has 1,095 career receptions, the most among active NFL wide receivers. His career receiving-yard and touchdown totals also rank among the top five among active players.
Quarterback Brock Purdy said Allen has shown a strong understanding of the 49ers’ plays, formations and routes during practice. Purdy added that Allen appeared to have a good grasp of the game plan for the week.
Allen acknowledged that San Francisco’s terminology differs from Indianapolis’, but said the concepts are familiar. Asked what he expects on Sunday, he replied, “I expect to play.”
The matchup will be Allen’s second consecutive game against Dallas. He faced the Cowboys in his final game with Indianapolis, catching four passes for 26 yards.
## A Quick Test for the 49ers’ New Receiver
Allen joins San Francisco after leaving a Colts team that was 2-7, and his new team needs help at receiver. His experience gives the 49ers an immediate depth option, though how much he can contribute after only a few days with the team remains to be seen.
Sunday’s game will offer the first on-field look at how Allen fits into San Francisco’s offense. Purdy’s early assessment suggests the transition is progressing well, and Allen says he is ready to play.
