Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers: Preview

The Cowboys host their arch rivals in the 49ers this Saturday and while it's not one of the gridiron battles of the early 90's, there will be some fireworks.

The Cowboys starters will be in the game into the third quarter which is customary for the third preseason game, but might be called in early if they have as much success as they had last week with two touchdown drives of more than 70 yards.

Tony Romo won't have receiver Roy Williams to work with in Saturday's game after he collided with Orlando Scandrick in yesterday's practice and injured his shoulder. This is a huge opportunity for Sam Hurd and Miles Austin who are still battling for the third receiver spot, a solid game could be the difference maker between the two.

Smash Dash and Tash will get an increase in their carries for the second straight week as Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett will use all three with the first team offense.

Expect Felix Jones to get some opportunities in the passing game as he had a huge play last week that led to a TD. Marion Barber has been held back a bit (14 carries in two games) but he will get his chance to be the barbarian that he is in this game. 

The defense will also get significant playing time and it'll be interesting to see if they can pressure the quarterback, although it's unknown if Shaun Hill will start for the Niners as he was injured in practice earlier this week.

The Cowboys have only one sack in their first two preseason games but they haven't been blitzing like you would see in a game that counts. They should be more aggressive Saturday which could lead to turnovers for the Cowboys.

The biggest storyline for this game is Orlando Scandrick will start opposite Terence Newman on Saturday. Coach Wade Phillips wants to see Scandrick starting as the camp battle between Scandrick and Mike Jenkins comes to a conclusion. Jenkins will be in the slot for Saturday's game and needs to show that his ankle isn't affecting him.

Special teams have the most to prove this weekend.

Nick Folk is still not in mid-season form and is 0-2 on field goals during the preseason. The kick coverage unit is still giving up to many yards on returns and the return units are committing to many penalties.

Sam Hurd promised fans that the Special teams units will be running like a well oiled machine by the regular season, and the first step towards that starts on Saturday.