The Dallas Cowboys entered their Week 10 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers with injury concerns in the secondary. Cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. and DaRon Bland were both listed as questionable with ankle-related injuries, leaving the team thin at the position. Their potential absences were especially concerning against a 49ers team that entered the game with a 7–1 record.
Both cornerbacks were trending toward playing, however. Porter, who was listed with ankle and foot injuries, had completed two good practices in two days. Bland was also considered likely to suit up.
The Cowboys’ defense had struggled overall, ranking 30th in the league in yards allowed with 3,354 and 25th in points allowed with 236. The team was also giving up a league-high 147.4 rushing yards per game and ranked seventh-worst in pass coverage. Porter’s availability could provide a boost, as the defense had performed better with him on the field.
Porter said he injured his ankle during his Week 4 debut and continued playing through the issue. He estimated that he had been operating at about 70% while the injury worsened. Despite the limitation, he said he believed he could still contribute and that his teammates wanted him back on the field.
