49ERS FACTS

KICKOFF: 1:05 p.m.

TV: Fox

RADIO: 680 AM & 107.7 FM

THREE KEYS 1. Linebacker shuffle: Rookie Reuben Foster is expected to return from a season-opening ankle injury, and that should bolster a defense still adjusting to NaVorro Bowman’s sudden release last week. Health is a concern beyond Foster as Ray-Ray Armstrong and Brock Coyle were limited in practice with shoulder injuries. Eric Reid could be thrust into a linebacker role, too, as the 49ers need to contain Ezekiel Elliott, who had 138 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys’ 24-17 road win last October.

2. Beathard starts: C.J. Beathard becomes the first 49ers rookie to start at quarterback since Alex Smith’s 2005 five-turnover debut. Beathard must avoid having his passes sail on him, and he’d be wise to steer clear of defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (8.5 sacks). Beathard replaced Brian Hoyer last game and nearly produced a comeback victory, throwing for 245 yards at Washington.

3. Stay focused: Distractions abound for the 49ers. Franchise icons from the 1981 dynasty-sparking team will be on hand to honor Dwight Clark, and coach Kyle Shanahan is encouraging his players to meet them in pregame: “If you get an opportunity to talk to any one of them, don’t waste that opportunity, because it’s a special group of guys.” The national anthem will stoke emotions, with some 49ers protesting while all Cowboys stand under owner Jerry Jones’ orders. As part of the NFL’s “Crucial Catch” campaign for cancer awareness, players will accessorizing their uniforms. And, after three straight Sundays on the road, the 49ers are home, where they’ve won only one of their past nine.

INJURIES: 49ers — Out: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (back), defensive end Aaron Lynch (calf); Questionable: linebackers Reuben Foster (ankle), Ray-Ray Armstrong (shoulder), Brock Coyle (shoulder) and Dekoda Watson (groin). Cowboys — Out: Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring); Questionable: Linebacker Justin Durant (groin).