Is Deebo Samuel playing Week 8? Latest updates on 49ers WR's status vs. Cowboys

The San Francisco 49ers are facing the Dallas Cowboys in a Week 8 battle that will have a big impact on the NFC wild-card standings.

San Francisco will be undermanned as it looks to beat Dallas for a fourth consecutive time, but the 49ers may at least get one of their top receiving weapons back for the contest.

Deebo Samuel barely played last week during the 49ers' 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs while dealing with an illness. He was hospitalized after the game but returned to practice in short order.

Here's what to know about Samuel's status for the 49ers' Week 8 matchup against the Cowboys.

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Is Deebo Samuel playing vs. Cowboys?

Samuel is listed as "questionable" for the 49ers' "Sunday Night Football" game against the Cowboys, and it seems like he may truly be a toss-up.

Samuel acknowledged after Friday's practice that he feels "pretty good" and had a "pretty solid" week, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. However, the veteran receiver was mum about his status for Sunday night's game.

"We'll see," Samuel replied.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan provided a more positive update on the receiver and indicated that Samuel may be able to go on Sunday night.

"It's gotten better each day," Shanahan said. "We've gone slow with him. We didn't push him that hard knowing what the issue is, but it has gotten better each day and that's why I'm hoping that continues for Sunday."

Samuel played just four snaps in the loss to Kansas City before having to depart because of an illness. He was later hospitalized with pneumonia but returned to 49ers practice on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant.

On Friday he was listed as questionable. He also explained that his ordeal against the Chiefs frightened him, as he had no energy in warmups and then found it difficult to breathe before exiting the game.

"It was scary because it’s kind of hard to breathe, for real, and you can’t take deep breaths," Samuel told reporters. "So, in the midst of that, I’m just like, 'What’s going on?' And then we found out what was wrong after the game."

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The 49ers have their bye in Week 9. That will allow them to exercise caution with Samuel if they believe he needs extra time to get back to full strength.

At the same time, San Francisco is just 3-4 entering Week 8 and need to win to keep pace with the first-place Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. The 49ers will already be without Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (hip) on Sunday night while tight end George Kittle (foot) is also questionable.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deebo Samuel injury update: Is 49ers WR playing Week 8 vs. Cowboys?