The San Francisco 49ers will have to wait at least another week to bring two defenders back from injured reserve. The 7-1 team is a four-point favorite for Sunday’s road game against the 4-5 Dallas Cowboys, but defensive tackle C.J. West and defensive back Nate Hobbs have both been ruled out.
Both players were listed as questionable on Friday. San Francisco had the option to activate them Saturday, but neither will be available for the matchup.
## West’s Return Delayed
West, a 2025 fourth-round pick from Kent State, appeared in the 49ers’ first two games before undergoing knee surgery. He was placed on injured reserve on September 23, and the team opened his 21-day practice window this week. West participated on a limited basis Wednesday.
His absence is especially significant after defensive tackle Gracen Halton was lost for the season. West will have to wait at least another week before making his return.
## Hobbs Still Awaiting 49ers Debut
Hobbs has yet to play for San Francisco. The 49ers signed him to a one-year contract worth up to $4.5 million in March, two days after Green Bay released him. The year before, Hobbs had signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers, but three separate knee injuries disrupted his time there.
A groin injury sent Hobbs to injured reserve before the regular season began. San Francisco opened his practice window on November 4, and he participated fully in practice this week. The team has 21 days from the opening of that window to activate him; otherwise, he will remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
## San Francisco Managing More Injuries
The 49ers have several other injury concerns heading into Dallas. Cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir (foot), Renardo Green (back) and Upton Stout (shoulder/neck) are all questionable. San Francisco did not elevate a player from its practice squad Saturday, which may indicate the team expects the three cornerbacks to be available.
Left tackle Trent Williams (shoulder) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (knee) are also questionable after being injured during Thursday’s practice. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Williams’ shoulder injury was concerning. If Williams cannot play, Vederian Lowe is expected to fill in at left tackle. Rookie Jaden Dugger would take over at weakside linebacker if Greenlaw is sidelined.
Wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles) will miss his third consecutive game. Deebo Samuel, who has been out since Week 5 with a hamstring injury, is set to return.
The 49ers and Cowboys are scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at AT&T Stadium.
