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Jacob Cowing fantasy football news and podcast insights

Source-backed player signal from monitored fantasy football podcasts, shows, videos, articles, and social posts.

WRSF40 insightsLatest Aug 25, 2026
36
Positive signals
1
Negative signals
7
Sources
Aug 25, 2026
Latest update
PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026Niners Nation
Cowing took a punt 84 yards for a touchdown in preseason against the Chargers, which would be the 49ers' first punt return TD since 2011 if it occurred in the regular season. Kyle Shanahan said after the game, "I thought it was huge." Cowing was targeted seven times but caught only two passes for 14 yards receiving, competing in a deep 49ers receiver room with veteran Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. However, as a returner, Cowing doesn't need to be a prolific receiver; he needs to secure punts and provide field position. Shanahan indicated Cowing is making the punt returner job "easier" but hasn't locked it down yet, saying "Not yet" when asked if Cowing has the role.
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PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Cowing is emerging as a potential punt returner for the 49ers after taking a punt 84 yards for a touchdown in preseason; Kyle Shanahan said he likes that Cowing is making the job easier, though the head coach stopped short of confirming him as the starter. Cowing could be the fastest player on the team and represents a path to the field despite being in a deep and competitive wide receiver room with Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. If he secures the punt returner role, he would give the 49ers their first regular-season punt return touchdown since 2011 when Ted Ginn Jr. scored one.
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PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026Niners Nation
Cowing's 83-yard punt return sealed the deal on the competition for the roster. He had another big kickoff return that was negated. Cowing had enough speed to reverse field on two returns and beat the defense to the other side. Kyle Shanahan smirked when asked if Cowing would be the punt returner and said, 'Not yet, but I like that he's making it easier.' The source notes there's still some untapped potential as a wide receiver; his frame means the margin for error isn't great, but Cowing could help with timing routes, screens, and vertical routes.
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PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
The source identifies Cowing as a winner, noting Kyle Shanahan smirked when asked if Cowing would be the punt returner and said, "Not yet, but I like that he's making it easier." Cowing's 83-yard return sealed the deal on the competition; he had another big kickoff return that was negated. The source notes Cowing had enough speed to reverse field on two returns and beat the defense to the other side. The source also identifies untapped potential as a wide receiver, noting his frame means the margin for error isn't great, but he could help with timing routes, screens, and vertical routes.
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PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Cowing appeared to be on the outside looking in at a crowded receiver position and his only path to the roster seemed to be winning the punt returner job. He seized that opportunity against the Chargers, taking a punt return 83 yards for a touchdown after Deebo Samuel declined the role. The source states this play should ensure Cowing's spot on the 53-man roster; had it been a regular season game, it would have been the first punt return touchdown for the 49ers since Ted Ginn. Cowing has struggled to find his spot since being drafted in 2024, making this preseason moment one of the cooler recent developments.
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PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Cowing, a fourth-round pick in 2024 who missed all of last season after injuring his hamstring in the preseason, raced 83 yards on a punt return for a touchdown in the preseason game against the Chargers; with one electric return, he has locked up a roster spot in what had been a two-man competition with Jordan Watkins for the punt returner job; the 49ers haven't had a punt returner take one to the house since Ted Ginn Jr. in 2011.
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PositiveNewsAug 21, 202632BeatWriters
32BeatWriterson X

Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing are just inconsistent right now. That drive finished by a missed block from Watkins that led to a TFL. And then a dropped slant by Cowing that hit him in the chest. I think they both make the 53 but hard to count on them as WRs right now.

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PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Cowing looked great during OTAs but has been sidelined for multiple weeks with a hip injury. He plays as fast as his 40 time and can legitimately run by any defensive back. The 49ers took advantage of his speed the second he returned to practice last Saturday and Sunday. Cowing will compete for both return spots and the Z receiver role vacated by Ricky Pearsall's injury. His dynamic speed is critical to the 49ers' defensive scheme; teams would defend them differently with Cowing on the field versus Samuel or Robinson. These next two weeks are huge for Cowing to prove his body can hold up.
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PositiveBreakoutAug 20, 2026Niners Nation
Cowing looked great during OTAs and has elite speed that allows him to legitimately run by any defensive back; the 49ers took advantage of this immediately upon his return to practice last Saturday and Sunday after a multi-week hip injury absence. With Ricky Pearsall sidelined, Cowing's dynamic ability at Z receiver is critical to the 49ers' offensive scheme, as his speed changes how defenses would align compared to Deebo Samuel or Demarcus Robinson. These next two weeks are huge for Cowing to prove his body can hold up and secure a roster spot.
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PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
The source projects Cowing to make the 53-man roster as the sixth wide receiver, praising his elite speed that is unlike anything else on the roster and his value as the best returner. Despite recurring injury concerns—he got banged up again during Sunday's practice but returned to action and made plays—the source believes his long leash continues because he brings something missing in the offense. However, his roster spot depends entirely on staying healthy, which he has struggled to do.
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PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026Niners Nation
Cowing is competing in a key 49ers position battle heading into preseason Week 2. In practice, he made a diving reception on a deep 45-yard pass from Brock Purdy, showing the ability to lay out for the ball. He had a couple of steps on cornerback Deommodore Lenoir on the deep route, demonstrating separation ability against defensive backs. Cowing also took a hard spill during practice but continued competing, indicating durability and commitment to the position battle.
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