49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing came into training camp without a secure hold on a roster spot, but he made a strong case for one on Thursday night.
Cowing averaged 8.8 yards per punt return as a rookie in 2024, but missed all of last season with a hamstring injury that put him on shaky ground as this summer's training camp got underway. Cowing wasn't helped by a hip flexor injury early in camp and he didn't play in the first preseason game, but got a shot against the Chargers and made the most of it.
Cowing returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't put an end to the punt returner competition after the game, but said he likes "that he's making it easier" and that Cowing has been healthy enough to show the ability that made him a 2024 fourth-round pick.
"He's always shown us his talent since he's been here," Shanahan said. "He's been able to string together a couple of healthy weeks, and that was a huge play he had today."
Nothing is set in stone at this point, but it looks like a better bet that Cowing will be sticking around into...