49ers rookie WR has monster performance in preseason debut

While the San Francisco 49ers made headlines on draft night with the selection of Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, another rookie pass catcher has quickly made an impact with an impressive performance in week two of the preseason.

Despite taking a pass catcher with their first pick in the 2024 draft, the 49ers double-dipped at wide receiver, selecting Pac-12 standout Jacob Cowing. In two seasons at Arizona, Cowing racked up over 1800 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns before landing with the 49ers in the fourth round of the 2024 draft.

While his first impression was stunted by a hamstring injury early in camp, Cowing answered the bell on Sunday in his preseason debut against the New Orleans Saints.

Cowing was at the center of the 49ers’ 16-10 win against the Saints, catching balls underneath and over the top of the defense along with taking the ball from the backfield as a rusher. Cowing led the 49ers with four receptions for 51 yards receiving, including a long 38-yard gain from Joshua Dobbs on a smooth route. Cowing picked up 19 yards on the ground with one rush on Sunday against the Saints.

Via @49ers on Twitter:

With a monster performance on Sunday, Cowing should catapult himself up the depth chart in front of players like Danny Grey, Ronnie Bell and Trent Taylor. Cowing will have one last preseason contest to secure his role on the 49ers on Friday, August 23 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!