Jacob Cowing has continued to make a strong impression as a rookie wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, particularly during the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. In a game that concluded in a 24-24 tie, Cowing demonstrated his talents by catching all three of his targets for a total of 39 yards and scoring a touchdown. Beyond his offensive contributions, Cowing also made a mark on special teams by returning three punts for 19 yards, which averages out to 6.3 yards per return.
Reflecting on his performance, Cowing attributed his success to maintaining confidence and staying present in each game and practice. “Just continuing to play my game,” he shared with NBC Sports after the game. “Being confident in my abilities each and every game, each and every practice I’m going into. Just being present in the moment, too. Not trying to think too far ahead.” His mindset emphasizes focusing on the present and cherishing every opportunity to perform, rather than getting overwhelmed by future uncertainties.
Cowing’s recent game performance follows a noteworthy showing in a prior preseason game, where he aimed to validate his earlier success and demonstrate that his abilities were consistent. He highlighted the significance of staying engaged and confident as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Just spending those moments with the guys in preseason,” Cowing said. “Cherishing the moments, and all the hard work that we put into this thing. Seeing people smile, that was just my mindset going into the preseason. Be in the moment, be where my feet are and just have fun playing ball.” This perspective underscores his dedication to making the most of the preseason experience and connecting with his teammates.
As the 49ers approach the roster cut deadline, Cowing is acutely aware of the competitive environment within the team. He values the friendships and teamwork developed during the preseason and remains focused on maximizing his chances on the field. A notable highlight of his performance was a touchdown reception in the third quarter, where he demonstrated his ability to read defensive positions effectively.
He found space in the end zone and connected with quarterback Josh Dobbs for the score. Cowing elaborated on the play, stating, “I saw the corner, he was outside leverage, and I’m like this is the perfect look. I got to go get on his toes, make him move and see if I can’t get the ball in my hands and get a touchdown and that’s what worked out and happened in that moment and I’m super grateful for that time.”
Despite facing some challenges, such as missing parts of training camp due to a hamstring injury, Cowing has shown notable progress. He logged 29 offensive snaps during the game, which accounts for 39 percent of the plays, and is focused on refining his understanding of the playbook and building strong connections with his teammates. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff, who are optimistic about his potential. Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Cowing’s development, stating the week before the game, “He has done a good job. He’s improved each day. Hopefully, he’ll get a lot of playing time in the game and be able to get through and get that experience and keep stacking those days up.”
Overall, Jacob Cowing’s preseason performances have highlighted his potential as a valuable asset to the 49ers. His ability to stay focused, confident, and present, along with his contributions both offensively and on special teams, are key factors in his quest to secure a spot on the final roster. As the team moves towards the regular season, Cowing’s commitment to improvement and his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success will be crucial in determining his future with the 49ers.
