It has been nearly a month since San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that wide receiver Jacob Cowing was nearing a return. At the time, Shanahan suggested Cowing could be back sometime after the bye week, potentially providing a late-season boost as the 49ers push toward the postseason.
However, the second-year receiver remains on injured reserve as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered in late August.
Some speculation emerged that the 49ers had not opened Cowing's practice window due to a crowded wide receiver room, with six receivers already on the 53-man roster. Shanahan dismissed that notion on Friday.
"As soon as he's back to full health, we'll open up his window," Shanahan told reporters.
The comment makes it clear Cowing's continued absence is strictly injury-related and has nothing to do with roster limitations or competition at wide receiver.
Before the injury, Cowing showed promise during the offseason, and the 49ers are likely eager to see whether he can contribute down the stretch once healthy. For now, patience remains the plan.
"He's not quite there yet, but he's getting close," Shanahan added. "He's got to pass a few more markers."
As a rookie in 2024, Cowing appeared in 15 games, catching four passes for 80 yards on six targets.