Don't discount the 49ers' (mostly) young receivers

“Conley told me. “There are certain things that a young man, for example, wouldn't necessarily know about the way the timing of a route changes open access to the press.

“That's something you can clean up and change completely without even being on the field, but you have to approach it consciously and it depends on the track, inside the numbers outside the numbers, what you're trying to do to attack , if there's something in your way that messes up the timing, maybe your route needs to be a little shorter, maybe your angle needs to change. So there are things we can work on and practice, but also things that come up with time and some conversations.”

This last point raises a question from Brock Purdy. Some of this requires him to go out of his way to work on these connections. These neural pathways are not as well developed as in Aiyuk, Kittle, Samuel and Jennings. Extra work needs to be done during a time when time is limited.

Purdy emphasized that practice is key to becoming more familiar with these connections, but also said that after practice he talked to his receivers about what he likes and what his receivers' preferences are.

“Yeah, this week at practice it was just good to get into certain situations and reps where we were like, I'm going to go to this receiver in a certain look,” Purdy said. “And then after practice, run a few routes or talk to the guys about, 'Hey, this is what I expect and how do you see that as a receiver?' And we just get on the same page, and I think that's great. As I said, we have a few young people taking on these roles and for me it's hugely important to understand how they think and vice versa. So it’s very important.”

49ers-Cowboys Injuries: Important absences on both sides

“In the meantime, the Cowboys will continue to be without star edge rusher Micah Parsons (ankle) and No. 1 corner DaRon Bland (foot), who have not performed as well as the team had hoped. Demarcus Lawrence and Brandin Cooks are both on injured reserve.

The Cowboys are also without defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (wrist) and tight end John Stephens, who suffered a torn ACL for the second straight season. Both cornerback Caelon Carson (shoulder) and Eric Kendricks (shoulder) are questionable.”

The 49ers' best results at the trade deadline: Ranking positions from full to needs help (paywall)

“Meanwhile, there could be all sorts of options on the trade market, from long-time veterans like Za'Darius Smith (Browns), Calais Campbell (Miami Dolphins) and Jadeveon Clowney (Panthers) to younger players like Azeez Ojulari (Giants) and Joshua Uche (Patriots).

The 49ers could even sign a former player. Arden Key (Tennessee Titans) could be available. Heck, with the New Orleans Saints at 2-5, the 49ers could offer Chase Young a compensatory third-round pick for the second straight year.

…A sensible trade candidate: Dalvin Tomlinson, who played alongside Elliott with the Browns last season and is familiar with the 49ers' aggressive, upfield defensive line style.”

Kyle Shanahan shares the latest updates ahead of the 49ers-Cowboys game in Week 8

“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after practice on Friday as the team prepares for its Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Here’s everything he said.”

Niners WR Deebo Samuel better, but SNF status unclear

“I’m scared of the hospital,” Samuel said. “I don't like being in the hospital, but whatever it takes to get me better, I'm all for it… I was just chilling there and really getting the treatment I needed.”

Samuel remained hospitalized until Tuesday afternoon, and although he did not participate in Wednesday's practice, he ran and worked out during the media-open portion of the session.

Samuel returned to training on a limited basis on Thursday afternoon and then followed a similar plan for Friday's training session. Samuel said Friday he was feeling “pretty good” and had a “pretty solid” week of practice, but declined to comment on the likelihood of him playing against the Cowboys, saying only: “We'll see.”

49ers-Cowboys: The Standard's 5 quick predictions

“The Cowboys assigned Terrence Steele 1-on-1 duels with Bosa on 16 of 17 reps in last season's game. Bosa scored four pressures and combined these opportunities to create a sack. Those aren't big numbers, but you can count on Bosa to come home in a one-on-one duel. He will also face rookie Dallas left tackle Tyler Guyton.”

Five 49ers to watch in the crucial primetime game against the Cowboys

“Lamb is Dak Prescott's main target in an offense that ranks No. 2 in the NFL in receiving yards through the air.

San Francisco cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is in his contract year, has had ups and downs this season. He will face a big challenge in his one-on-one matches against Lamb.”

Shanahan held a “little celebration” when the Cowboys cut Parsons

“I just saw this on the way here and there was a little celebration before I came in,” Shanahan told reporters Friday. “But that’s it. Makes things better, but there are still many issues to deal with. He’s a damn good player.”