Jacob Cowing’s 83-yard punt return revives 49ers roster hopes

In the second preseason game of the 2026 campaign, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17. Late in the second quarter, Jacob Cowing fielded a JK Scott punt at the 49ers’ 17-yard line and raced 83 yards for a touchdown, giving San Francisco a 17-3 lead. The play was highlighted by both teams’ coaches as a “big-time” moment that could influence Cowing’s position on the roster.

ESPNJacob Cowing, battling for 49ers roster spot, delivers highlight with punt-return TD in win Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh calls out punter for making zero effort to tackle Jacob Cowing on punt return TD NBC SportsJacob Cowing makes 49ers roster case with dazzling punt return vs. Chargers

Cowing entered the 2026 preseason after missing the entire 2025 season with a hamstring injury that required four tears and a subsequent hip-flexor strain early in training camp. As a third-year wide receiver, he competes with a deep receiver group that includes Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Christian Kirk, Jordan Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. The 49ers also need a reliable punt returner, a role Cowing performed with an 8.8-yard average in his rookie 2024 season.

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• Jacob Cowing — Wide receiver and punt returner, third-year player recovering from multiple hamstring injuries.

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• Kyle Shanahan — Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, evaluating Cowing’s performance for roster decisions.

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• JK Scott — Chargers punter whose punt set up the return.

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh calls out punter for making zero effort to tackle Jacob Cowing on punt return TD

• Jim Harbaugh — Chargers head coach, commenting on the special-teams execution.

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh calls out punter for making zero effort to tackle Jacob Cowing on punt return TD

• Punt return distance: 83 yards for a touchdown.

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• 2024 punt-return average: 8.8 yards per return.

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• Preseason final score: 49ers 41, Chargers 17.

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Coach Kyle Shanahan said Cowing has consistently demonstrated talent since joining the team and that the recent healthy weeks have allowed him to make a “huge play.” Shanahan added that the return does not guarantee a roster spot but makes the competition for punt-return duties “easier” for the coaching staff.

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Cowing himself described the moment as a “special moment” and emphasized the mental challenges he faced during the previous year’s injuries, noting that he is grateful to be healthy and able to showcase his abilities again.

Jacob Cowing makes 49ers roster case with dazzling punt return vs. Chargers

• “It was a lot going on last year, and a lot of mental warfare going on, and you know things happening over and over and over again, injury-wise,” — Jacob Cowing

Jacob Cowing, battling for 49ers roster spot, delivers highlight with punt-return TD in win

• “He’s always shown us his talent since he’s been here,” — Kyle Shanahan, coach

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• “I feel like I was in a dream for a second, honestly,” — Jacob Cowing

Jacob Cowing makes 49ers roster case with dazzling punt return vs. Chargers

• “No, he's got to have a plan when he's in that position to make a tackle. Something we need to work on, coach up,” — Jim Harbaugh, chargers coach

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh calls out punter for making zero effort to tackle Jacob Cowing on punt return TD

The 49ers will face the Las Vegas Raiders in their final preseason game, while the Chargers close their preseason against the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams will use the remaining contests to finalize roster decisions, and Cowing’s performance will remain a focal point for the 49ers’ special-teams evaluation.

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