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."
RELATED
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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers expect to open Jacob Cowing's practice window ahead of Week 18
Second-year San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing could finally be gearing up for his 2025 season debut. Cowing suffered a torn hamstring in August, which landed him on injured reserve. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers plan to open Cowing's practice window next... -
49ers injury update: John Lynch doesn't rule out Fred Warner's playoff return
The San Francisco 49ers aren't ruling out the possibility that star linebacker Fred Warner could return this postseason. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, and early expectations were that he wouldn't play again until next year. Now, that timeline... -
Sources say 49ers LB Fred Warner could return for late postseason run
According to sources familiar with the situation, San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner has a chance to make it back for the postseason if the team makes it to the NFC Championship Game, or more likely, the Super Bowl. On Saturday, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo,... -
49ers injury updates: Kittle 'highly unlikely' vs. Bears; Pearsall expected to return
The San Francisco 49ers held out hope that tight end George Kittle would recover in time for Sunday night's Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Kittle suffered an ankle injury against the Indianapolis Colts and did not participate in practice this week. He planned to...