With the NFL’s preseason portion of the schedule officially underway, that means roster cuts are right around the corner, and the San Francisco 49ers, much like the other 31 NFL teams, have several decisions to make.
Although the 49ers’ wide receiver has been beat up during training camp, the group still looks pretty strong, at least the top three options, with Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel leading the receiver corps.
Christian Kirk, who is dealing with a calf injury, is more banged up than Evans, Stribling, and Samuel, but still figures to be a part of the overall pass-catching fold, and then there are depth options like Malik Turner and Demarcus Robinson. Also, in Thursday’s preseason contest, wideout Jordan Watkins had an impressive showing, which may give him an edge for a roster spot.
So, with those six potential wideouts, former 4th-round draft pick Jacob Cowing’s spot on the roster could be in jeopardy.
49ers Urged to Move on From Jacob Cowing
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 05: Jacob Cowing #19 of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 47-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Jacob Cowing with their fourth-round draft pick in 2024 out of Arizona, but during his rookie campaign, he caught just four passes over 15 games, and in 2025, Cowing didn’t play at all.
In a recent rumors piece by Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, the 49ers are being urged to move on from Cowing and cut him from the roster:
“After a quiet rookie campaign with four catches for 80 yards, Jacob Cowing missed the entire 2025 season because of a hamstring injury. With new faces in the 49ers’ receiver room, he’s likely in competition with Jordan Watkins for a back-end roster spot. After an impressive outing in Thursday’s preseason opener with six catches for 59 yards, Watkins should have an edge over Cowing if it comes down to them for the last wide receiver position.”
Considering the 49ers already have nearly six receivers they expect to be a part of the fold, Cowing’s spot on the roster is anything but guaranteed.
When Are Roster Cuts in the NFL?
Sports Writer Bob Rose wrote (about roster cuts in the NFL):
“In 2026, NFL rosters must be trimmed to 53 players by Sunday, Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. CT. This is a change over recent years, when the cutdown day was the Tuesday after the final weekend of preseason games. Additionally, waiver claims will be due by Noon CT on Monday, Aug. 31.”
If San Francisco deems (likely after their next preseason game) that Jacob Cowing will not be a factor in the team’s pass-catching corps this season, the 49ers can go ahead and cut him before that August 30 deadline, which is looking increasingly likely, especially with the emergence of Jordan Watkins and De’Zhaun Stribling.
San Francisco 49ers Urged to Cut Ties with Former 4th-Round Wide Receiver