George Kittle delivers National Tight End's Day capstone in 49ers win vs. Cowboys

The 49ers desperately needed a win versus the Cowboys, and George Kittle delivered it on the most fitting of days.

The San Francisco 49ers own some of the credit for National Tight End's Day.

Well, All-Pro tight end George Kittle does, at least. He founded it.

Fortunately, the unofficial Kittle-christened holiday garnered some momentum after a tough 30-24 Week 8 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, one in which the Niners offense failed to find much rhythm and was beset by all kinds of self-inflicted wounds via penalty.

Quarterback Brock Purdy needed to bounce back in a big way after arguably his worst game as a pro in Week 7's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. But having two banged-up stars, Kittle (foot) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (illness, wrist), in the lineup and available certainly helped matters.

And Kittle didn't hesitate to make the most of his position's national day of recognition.

Kittle managed a key touchdown halfway through the third quarter that gave San Francisco a 20-10 lead, a play that appeared to be called back because of offensive pass interference but was ruled legal:

It's only natural for the creator of National Tight End's Day to find the end zone on the holiday, especially against a hated rival like Dallas. Then, not long thereafter, Kittle recorded his 500th career catch in a Niners uniform, making the night that much more special.

He joins some pretty legendary company, too:

in total, Kittle helped deliver the 49ers from yet another week of offensive ineptitude, finishing with six catches for 128 yards and the score.

Aided by the tight end, Purdy improved from the previous week, too, going 18-of-26 for 260 yards with one passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown against zero interceptions while posting a 114.3 passer rating.

A far cry from Week 7 against KC.

49ers defense frustrates Dak Prescott, Cowboys on Sunday night

Meanwhile, the Niners defense had to be feeling the anger after the previous week's debacle as well.

And this unit took out that frustration on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, intercepting him two times and holding him to a 79.2 passer rating on the night.

Plus, you'll find fewer athletically impressive picks like the one from cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, too:

In total, the Cowboys went 4-of-12 on third downs and managed only 4.9 yards per play.

Jordan Mason, Deebo Samuel injury updates

Early in the game, running back Jordan Mason suffered what appeared to be a minor injury, perhaps aggravating the shoulder setback he entered the week with.

Mason reappeared in the game but then left again right before halftime, ruled as questionable to return with said injury.

Entering the week with an NFL second-best 667 rush yards, Mason's status is going to be of concern until the anticipated return of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey returns from his Achilles issues, one expected in November.

In Mason's absence, San Francisco turned to rookie tailback Isaac Guerendo, who churned out XX yards on X carries with a touchdown.

Samuel, meanwhile, enjoyed a productive outing with 71 yards receiving, but he exited with what appears to be a (hopefully) minor ribs injury.

Now, the 49ers can relax a bit with their Week 9 bye on the horizon.

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