When a player from the San Francisco 49ers catches the attention of a seasoned pro like Mike Evans, it’s a sign they’re doing something right on the field. Evans, known for his straightforward nature, recently singled out wide receiver Jacob Cowing for having a lot of “juice” in his game.
“A lot of juice,” Evans remarked during Week 2 of OTAs. “He has a lot of juice.
He can add a lot to this team. The speed down the field, the quickness.
I’ve been here for a few weeks, and he’s made a lot of plays so far.”
Although Evans and Cowing haven’t spent much time practicing together, the fact that Evans has noticed Cowing’s potential is significant. For Cowing, receiving such praise should be a motivating factor to keep up the momentum from OTAs into the more rigorous environment of training camp. This is where Cowing has the chance to make a lasting impression on both Evans and head coach Kyle Shanahan.
However, Cowing’s story has been one of promise and potential, often hampered by injuries. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance during OTAs, the real test lies in his ability to perform consistently during training camp and the preseason. Injuries have been a stumbling block for Cowing in past seasons, making him an unreliable option at times.
The 49ers have bolstered their receiving corps this offseason with additions like Evans, Christian Kirk, and De’Zhaun Stribling, signaling that they might be prepared to move on from Cowing unless he can deliver standout performances in the coming weeks. His future with the team could hinge on whether he can stay healthy and continue to impress both in practice and in games.
For Cowing, the path forward is clear: keep turning heads, particularly those of Evans and Shanahan. If he can continue to impress, he might just carve out a spot for himself on the roster.
Otherwise, he risks being overshadowed by the depth and experience of the other receivers. The clock is ticking for Cowing to show he’s more than just potential-he needs to prove he’s ready to be a reliable asset for the 49ers.
