Jacob Cowing Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the 49ers vs Browns game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 17, 2025
Expected to practice following bye
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Cowing's (hamstring) 21-day practice window will likely be opened following the 49ers' Week 14 bye, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing has yet to play this season after he injured his hamstring during training camp. The 2024 fourth-round pick has seemingly dealt with hamstring issues for most of his two seasons in the league. He recorded four catches for 80 yards on very minimal playing time as a rookie last season.
Oct 17, 2025
Progressing in recovery
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that Cowing (hamstring) is "getting close" to returning from injured reserve, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 2024 fourth-rounder pulled his hamstring during training camp in late July, and the injury was severe enough for Cowing to start the regular season on injured reserve. He would be eligible to return to practice once the 49ers designate him to return from IR, and that could happen as soon as next week leading up to the 49ers' Week 8 clash against the Texans on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Aug 27, 2025
Lands on injured reserve
The 49ers placed Cowing (hamstring) on injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Cowing injured his hamstring in late July, which has sidelined him for the majority of training camp and all three of the 49ers' preseason games. His move to the IR means the 2024 fourth-rounder will be required to miss at least next four games, making Week 5 against the Rams on Thursday, Oct. 2 the earliest he can make his 2025 debut. The 49ers are dealing with several injuries at wide receiver, which opens the door for Junior Bergen, Robbie Chosen and Malik Turner to be elevated from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Week 1 against the Seahawks.
Aug 24, 2025
Could open season on IR
Coach Kyle Shanahan said this weekend that Cowing (hamstring) could be sidelined for six weeks, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing missed time last summer with a hamstring injury, and he also missed a sizable chunk of this year's training camp with a pulled hamstring. It's becoming a chronic issue for the second-year wide receiver after he was unable to log any preseason playing time this summer. There's a decent chance he begins the 2025 campaign on injured reserve, which would cost Cowing at least the first four games of the regular season.
Aug 20, 2025
Missing practice time again
Cowing isn't practicing Wednesday after suffering a lower-body injury Tuesday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing injured his hamstring during the first practice of training camp and was out for nearly three weeks before easing back into action last Tuesday. He's now absent again, with no word so far on whether it's an aggravation of the hamstring pull or a new injury altogether. Either way, the 49ers are hurting for wideout depth, with Cowing, Jauan Jennings (calf), Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jordan Watkins (ankle) all absent from practice. Demarcus Robinson is healthy but may soon be suspended, perhaps opening the door for Russell Gage or one of the other depth players to get a lot of snaps early in the season. Cowing is also a candidate, if he's able to make it back before Jennings and Aiyuk do.
Aug 12, 2025
Returns to practice
Cowing (hamstring) returned to a limited practice Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing injured his hamstring on the first day of training camp, kicking off a stretch of poor injury luck for San Francisco's wideouts this summer. Ricky Pearsall returned from his own hamstring injury in late July, but Jauan Jennings (calf) and Jordan Watkins (ankle) have since been sidelined, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remains on the PUP list. There's also a strong chance Demarcus Robinson will be suspended for the first few games after pleading no contest in July to a DUI charge, potentially opening the door for Cowing to have a September role on offense even if he's ultimately just fifth or sixth on the depth chart. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Cowing caught just four passes on 106 offensive snaps last season, getting most of his touches on punt returns (28 for 245). He won't necessarily reprise that role on special teams, after the 49ers drafted return specialist Junior Bergen in the seventh round this spring.
Jul 27, 2025
Hopeful to return in 2-3 weeks
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Sunday that he's hopeful Cowing (hamstring) will be back by the week of Aug. 11 for joint practices with the Raiders, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This timeline likely indicates that Cowing will miss the 49ers' first preseason game Aug. 9 as he deals with a pulled hamstring, which he suffered during the first practice of training camp Wednesday. The 2024 fourth-round pick is coming off a rookie season in which he logged just five touches on offense over 15 regular-season appearances. Instead, his primary contributions came as a punt returner. San Francisco is dealing with a rash of injuries at wide receiver, as Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is still on PUP while recovering from a torn ACL, and Jauan Jennings also left practice Sunday with a calf injury. Once he gets back on the field in training camp, Cowing could have a chance to push for a bigger role ahead of Demarcus Robinson and Equanimeous St. Brown -- two veterans who the team added as free agents.
Jul 23, 2025
Pulls hamstring
Cowing pulled his hamstring Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
He was the subject of glowing reports during the offseason program, only to get injured at the first practice of training camp. A 2024 fourth-round pick, Cowing got just five touches on 106 offensive snaps last season, with his main role being on punt returns (28 for 245 yards). This could've been a good chance to get some reps with Brock Purdy, as the 49ers don't have Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) available for the start of camp.
Jan 17, 2025
Mainly used on ST in rookie year
Cowing finished his rookie season with four receptions for 80 yards and one rushing attempt for seven yards across 15 active games.
ANALYSIS
Cowing was primarily used on special teams in 2024, producing 277 return yards for leagues that factor in that category. The Arizona product flashed some big-play ability as a receiver, averaging 20.0 yards per reception in limited action. Cowing could see more work as a sophomore in 2025, but it would likely take an injury or two in order to open up enough playing time to warrant fantasy consideration next year.
Dec 18, 2024
Struggling to find role on offense
Cowing returned five punts for 51 yards and went without a target while playing four of the 49ers' 54 snaps on offense in Thursday's 12-6 loss to the Rams.
ANALYSIS
The rookie fourth-round pick out of Arizona has been serving as the 49ers' top punt returner throughout the season, but he's struggled to find a role on offense even while Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall have missed multiple games due to injuries. Though Aiyuk is out for the season, Jennings and Pearsall have been healthy for several weeks now and, along with Deebo Samuel, are continuing to work comfortably ahead of Cowing at receiver. Cowing has recorded just two catches for 50 yards on four targets while playing just 39 snaps on offense all season.
Nov 29, 2024
Slated to suit up Sunday
Cowing (concussion) does not have an injury designation for Sunday's Week 13 battle versus the Bills, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing suffered a concussion Week 11 against Seattle and didn't suit up this past Sunday versus Green Bay. However, he's cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will be able to play against Buffalo. Cowing has been held without a catch in all but one of his nine games so far this season, and his primary contributions have come as a punt returner.
Nov 27, 2024
Logs full practice Wednesday
Cowing (concussion) was listed as a full practice participant on Wednesday's injury report, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing suffered a concussion during the 49ers' Week 11 loss to the Seahawks, and he was unable to pass the league's five-step protocols in time for Week 12 against the Packers. His ability to practice in full Wednesday is a sign that he's progressing through the protocols, though he'll need to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to play against the Bills on Sunday.
Nov 22, 2024
Missing Week 12
Cowing (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Packers, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing sustained a concussion in the 49ers' Week 11 loss to the Seahawks and was unable to practice both Thursday and Friday, so it's no surprise that he won't suit up Sunday. The rookie wideout from Arizona has seen minimal offensive work through nine appearances this season, catching two of his three targets for 50 yards across. Expect Ronnie Bell to serve as San Francisco's top punt returner with Cowing sidelined in Week 12.
Nov 21, 2024
Misses practice Thursday
Cowing (concussion) did not participate in practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
The punt returner and wide receiver was a limited participant Wednesday after suffering the concussion during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Seahawks. Cowing's status is moving in the wrong direction as this week's showdown with the Packers approaches. Ronnie Bell might be in line to return punts if Cowing misses Week 12.
Nov 20, 2024
Limited to open week
Cowing (concussion) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing was diagnosed with a concussion during Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Seahawks after taking a hit to the head during a punt return. He'll have to clear the league's five-step concussion protocols in order to suit up against the Packers on Sunday.
Nov 17, 2024
Diagnosed with concussion
Cowing (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against Seattle, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing entered concussion protocols after taking a hit to the head during a punt return in the second quarter. He won't return Sunday, and he'll have to go through the league's five-step concussion protocols in order to play in Week 12 against the Packers on Sunday, Nov. 24.
Oct 21, 2024
Helps fill in for injured starters
Cowing caught two of three targets for 50 yards in Sunday's 28-18 loss to the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Cowing saw his usage increase after the 49ers lost both starting wideouts early in the contest. The 2024 fourth-round pick used that opportunity to not only record his first catch as a professional, but he also tied teammate George Kittle for the longest reception of the game (41 yards). Cowing could continue to get work as the team's third or fourth receiver -- depending on the health status of multiple wideouts this week -- when the 49ers host the Cowboys next Sunday.
Oct 7, 2024
Considered full participant Monday
Cowing (shoulder) was listed as a full participant on Monday's estimated injury report, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing was able to return to practice late last week, ultimately sitting out the team's 24-23 loss to the Cardinals. The wide receiver was reported to be considered day-to-day to open the week Monday according to Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site. Cowing will look to make his return to the field in Thursday's matchup with the Seahawks.
Oct 7, 2024
Iffy for Thursday
Cowing (shoulder) is considered day-to-day as the 49ers begin Week 6 prep Monday,Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing has been considered day-to-day since Sept. 30, after he suffered the injury in Week 4 against the Patriots. The rookie receiver was able to return to practice this past Friday, so he's at least made some progress in that time. Whether or not he'll be able to play in Week 6 likely won't be realized until closer to Thursday night's kickoff.
Oct 6, 2024
Won't play Sunday
Cowing (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Lindsay Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing had a chance to suit up after logging a limited practice session Friday, but he'll join Chris Conley (oblique) and Ricky Pearsall (chest) in street clothes. Ronnie Bell and Trent Taylor will serve as depth options behind Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings versus the Cardinals.
Oct 4, 2024
Questionable vs. Arizona
Cowing (shoulder) was a limited participant in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
ANALYSIS
Cowing was a DNP in each of the first two practices of the week, but he's given himself a chance to play Sunday after logging a limited session Friday. If he does suit up and Chris Conley (oblique) does not, Cowing would serve as the No. 4 wideout behind Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.
Oct 3, 2024
Misses practice again
Cowing (shoulder) did not participate in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Cowing has missed the first two practices of the week after injuring his shoulder in Week 4 against the Patriots. He'll have one more chance to practice in some capacity in order to have a chance at playing Sunday against the Cardinals. Ronnie Bell has a chance at serving as the 49ers' No. 4 wideout in Week 5 if both Cowing and Chris Conley (oblique) are unable to play.
Oct 2, 2024
Absent from practice
Cowing (shoulder) was listed as a DNP for Wednesday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Cowing injured his shoulder during the 49ers' Week 4 win against the Patriots. The rookie fourth-round pick is considered day-to-day with the injury, and he'll have two more chances to practice in some capacity ahead of Sunday's NFC West showdown against the Cardinals.
Sep 30, 2024
Day to day
Cowing (shoulder) is considered day to day after being injured in Sunday's win over the Patriots, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
A fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cowing has played just four offensive snaps and 15 on special teams through four games. He's yet to see a target on offense but has returned six punts for 32 yards. Kyle Juszczyk handled punt return duties after Cowing's injury Sunday.
Sep 29, 2024
Goes to locker room
Cowing is questionable to return to Sunday's game against New England due to a shoulder injury, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing returned two punts for eight yards but did not see a pass from Brock Purdy before heading to the locker room due to a shoulder injury. Isaac Guerendo could fill in for Cowing as the 49ers' punt returner if the latter is unable to return to Sunday's game.
Sep 27, 2024
Healthy ahead of Week 4
Cowing (illness) appears to be all set to play Sunday versus the Patriots, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing was absent from Thursday's practice session with an illness, but he now looks to be a full go for Week 4. The wide receiver will likely operate in his role as the team's primary punt returner versus New England.
Sep 26, 2024
Misses practice Thursday
Cowing (illness) did not participate in Thursday's practice session, Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
ANALYSIS
This is a recent ailment as Cowing was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session. Friday's injury report will provide clarity on the severity of the illness and whether Cowing will be able to suit up Sunday against the Patriots.
Sep 20, 2024
May play offense this week
49ers GM John Lynch said Friday that Cowing "may get some [opportunities]" in Sunday's game against the Rams, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
With RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) on injured reserve, WR Deebo Samuel (calf) all but ruled out and TE George Kittle (hamstring) now uncertain, the 49ers are badly in need of players that can catch short passes and gain yards after the catch. Cowing may fit the bill thanks to his 4.38 speed and impressive agility, although he's no replacement for Samuel at just 5-foot-8, 172 pounds. Cowing had 4,477 receiving yards and 33 TDs in five collegiate season at UTEP and Arizona, but he's merely been a punt returner through two NFL games after going in the fourth round of the 2024 Draft. Any usage on offense this Sunday presumably would be on a part-time basis, with Cowing coming off the bench behind Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Chris Conley.
Sep 19, 2024
Limited to special teams thus far
Cowing played three snaps -- all on special teams -- in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
The rookie fourth-round pick has been active for both of the 49ers' first two games of the season, but he has yet to see any use on offense. With top wideout Deebo Samuel (calf) trending toward an absence this Sunday versus the Rams, Cowing will move up a spot in the pecking order at receiver, though he still appears to be behind all of Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell.
Aug 25, 2024
Impressive showing this preseason
Cowing brought in all three of his targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason finale against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Cowing continued to impress this preseason with another strong showing after going for 70 combined yards against the Saints last week. The rookie fourth-rounder is making it tough for the 49ers to keep him off the 53-man roster come the Aug. 27 deadline. Cowing has shown explosiveness with the ball in his hands, making him a tantalizing option should he find a path to playing time this season. Currently as things stand, Brandon Aiyuk remains in a contract "hold in" awaiting a trade or a new deal and Jauan Jennings (oblique) and Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) have not played this preseason while nursing injuries. This opens up a potential scenario where Cowing could find himself getting some meaningful snaps out of the gates. Those in deeper formats should take note.
Aug 19, 2024
Shines in second preseason game
Cowing caught four of five targets for 51 yards and took a carry for 19 yards in Sunday's 16-10 preseason win over the Saints.
ANALYSIS
Cowing got extensive playing time in the second and third quarters, highlighted by a 39-yard gain on a deep pass down the sideline shortly before halftime. Four of his five touches produced first downs, with the fifth being a five-yard loss on a screen pass where he unsuccessfully reversed field on a blown-up play. It was a nice performance, but the rookie fourth-round pick probably won't get much playing time early in the season even if the Niners fail to work out a contract with Brandon Aiyuk.
Aug 6, 2024
Back from hamstring injury
Cowing (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Cowing's return to practice is timely, given that fellow rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall re-aggravated the shoulder injury that forced him to start training camp on the active/NFI list Tuesday. With trade rumors circulating around Brandon Aiyuk and injuries piling up for the 49ers, Cowing has an opportunity to earn more reps on offense and on special teams as a kick returner.
Jul 29, 2024
Missing another week
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that Cowing is expected to miss another week or so with his hamstring injury, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
If Cowing misses one more week, he will have missed a total of 10 days of 49ers practice. However, it seems as if he'll definitely be ready for to go for the beginning of San Francisco's 2024 campaign. The 2024 fourth-round pick out of Arizona is expected to play a depth role in the 49ers' wide receiver room throughout his rookie season.
Jul 29, 2024
Missing another week
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that Cowing is expected to miss another week or so with his hamstring injury, David Lombardi of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
If Cowing misses one more week, he will have missed a total of 10 days of 49ers practice. However, it seems as if he'll definitely be ready for to go for the beginning of San Francisco's 2024 campaign. The 2024 fourth-round pick out of Arizona is expected to play a depth role in the 49ers' wide receiver room throughout his rookie season.