The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver Jacob Cowing in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, one of two receivers taken that year along with first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. Entering his second NFL season, the team had high hopes for Cowing after a rookie year limited to just four receptions for 80 yards.

Cowing arrived at the 2025 offseason program in excellent shape, having trained alongside Pearsall after the season. He impressed during organized team activities (OTAs) and looked primed to continue his upward trajectory in training camp—until a hamstring injury sidelined him during the very first practice.


"I thought Jake had one of the best OTAs out of anybody on our team in terms of most-improved, the most prepared for it," head coach Kyle Shanahan said in July. "Unfortunately, I think he pulled his hamstring on routes on air today before we started. So, I'd say to just keep on his trajectory."

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On Tuesday, Cowing returned to practice—welcome news for a 49ers receiving corps battered by injuries and uncertainty.


Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from a severe knee injury suffered in October 2024 and is expected to begin the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Jauan Jennings continues to deal with a lingering calf injury—as well as a lingering contract dispute. Rookie Jordan Watkins, who has stood out in camp, is sidelined with a high-ankle sprain from the preseason opener and is expected to miss about a month.

The setbacks don't end there. Veteran Equanimeous St. Brown is on injured reserve with a foot injury, while Demarcus Robinson, who has performed well, faces a likely suspension stemming from a November 2024 DUI arrest while with the Los Angeles Rams.

Cowing's return provides a much-needed boost for the receiver group. If he can stay healthy and build on his promising offseason, he could play a role in the 49ers' passing attack heading into the 2025 season.

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