The San Francisco 49ers offense could be getting a big-time injection of speed just in time for the postseason.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday in a conference call indicated the 49ers plan to open wide receiver Jacob Cowing’s practice window ahead of the team’s Week 17 showdown with the Chicago Bears.
Cowing, a 2024 fourth-round pick, has been on IR all season after suffering a hamstring injury in training camp that forced him onto the injured list. His role as kick returner has been taken over by Skyy Moore, who the 49ers acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in a preseason trade.
However, there’s still room for a field stretcher in the 49ers’ offense with Ricky Pearsall banged up and the club relying on a handful of veterans who aren’t liable to threaten defenses vertically. Cowing as a rookie caught only four passes for 80 yards on six targets, but his explosiveness has been apparent when he’s on the field.
The team may have a plan to integrate him into the offense after his injury. They may also just be opening his practice window in time to practice for the final couple weeks of the regular season to evaluate where he is. If he’s able to practice and the coaching staff believes he can help the team, there’s a strong chance he gets activated off IR. There’s also a chance he gets a handful of workouts in and the club decides to shut him down for the season at the conclusion of his 21-day practice window.
His status for 2025 may also depend on the health of the receiving corps.
Cowing has a desirable skill set and his potential return is a nice luxury for a 49ers offense that could use some youth and explosiveness as it gears up for a playoff run.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers injury update: WR Jacob Cowing practice window to open
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