Jacob Cowing likely to retain 49ers’ punt return job after mistake vs. Vikings

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan appears unfazed by rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing's muffed punt in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Fortunately for the 49ers, cornerback Isaac Yiadom recovered the fumble, preventing disaster—until two plays later when quarterback Brock Purdy threw an interception.

Despite the mistake, Shanahan indicated before the team's first practice of the week that he has no intention of replacing Cowing as the team's punt returner.

"It's one muff punt," Shanahan told reporters. "I mean, just when it comes to catching stuff, he's been as natural of a catcher as we've had in our eight years here, just in practice, how he's been in the games. I know that one got away from him, which we can't have those. Everyone muffs one here and there, and you just hope that was the end of it."

Cowing's mistake was the kind of hiccup that can shake a young player's confidence, but the rookie seems to have Shanahan's trust.

The 49ers selected Cowing out of Arizona in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. He posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, first with UTEP in 2021 and then with Arizona in 2022. In his senior season with the Wildcats in 2023, Cowing recorded 848 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, catching the attention of the 49ers' scouting department.

With wide receiver Deebo Samuel sidelined for the next couple of games due to a calf strain, Cowing might find himself involved on offense, allowing him to showcase his skills beyond special teams.

Cowing has returned three punts this season for 15 yards, with all seven of his snaps coming on special teams.