Rookies Elliott, Prescott lead Cowboys past 49ers 24-17

Of course, you might’ve noticed that I didn’t even mention All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant on that list.

A non-contact injury to NaVorro Bowman overscored what was an otherwise heartbreaking 24-17 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys. He was then taken to the locker room on a cart and was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game.

The 49ers return to Levi’s Stadium Thursday for a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

Thanks to that 15 yards, the Cowboys marched down the field and scored a touchdown. On the lone deep 49ers throw of the day, Gabbert severely under-threw Torrey Smith and Morris Claiborne intercepted the pass. Smith threw his helmet in frustration on his way to the bench after the play.

The 49ers, meanwhile, are coming off two road losses in which they allowed 100 or more yards to a running back, Carolina’s Fozzy Whittaker (100 yards) and Seattle’s Christine Michael (106 yards).

San Francisco converted their first six third-down attempts after failing to convert on their first 10 last week against the Seahawks.

COSTLY PENALTY: Jaquiski Tartt drew a questionable unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty to keep alive the Cowboys’ first touchdown drive. In both games, Dak Prescott was solid, making necessary plays, and avoiding mistakes.

Prescott completed 23 of 32 passes and extended his streak of passes without an interception to start his National Football League career to 130. Cowboys vs 49ers scores and results will be posted here.

But the momentum, and in fact the game, was swung with 4:23 left in the second quarter. Most importantly, Elliott recovered from a two-fumble performance in Week 2 and made it through the Bears game brimming with confidence.

The Niners have their own star back from Ohio State in Carlos Hyde, who has rushed for 225 yards and four TDs through three games. Gabbert finished 16-of-23 for 196 yards. Kerley added 8 catches for 88 yards.

49ERS – Out: CB Jimmie Ward (quadricep).

It was the second quarter where Prescott really shined. So, why do we still have confidence in the Cowboys stable of receivers? Robinson briefly left the game in the third quarter with an undisclosed injury. The offense? It’s stumbled through those games, Blaine Gabbert throwing three picks and barely completing 50 percent of his passes.

Despite Bryant’s 423 catches for 5,975 yards and 60 touchdowns (not including playoffs) during his Dallas career, the controversy created by his emotional personality has outweighed his production for a team that has won just one playoff game during his tenure. Elliott has been getting better as the game’s gone on and the Cowboys have been able to wear down the San Francisco 49ers defense.