Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Efton Chism III

Wednesday, August 27, 10:59 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hamstring) was placed on the Injured Reserve list on Wednesday, guaranteeing that he will miss at least the first four games of the season. Cowing was battling a hamstring injury for most of training camp and suffered a major setback while trying to return for the team's final preseason game. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a six-week return timeline for Cowing, making his IR placement an easy decision. The 24-year-old would have had a chance to make an early-season impact had he been able to stay healthy, as the 49ers' wide receiver room has been besieged by injuries behind WR1 Ricky Pearsall. With the delayed start, Cowing should be off the radar of fantasy managers for the time being. However, he could be an under-the-radar midseason pickup, depending on the status of currently sidelined 49ers wideouts Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf).

Tuesday, August 26, 12:06 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (foot, ankle) did not participate in Monday's practice, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Chism picked up the injury during the team's second preseason contest against the Minnesota Vikings. He impressed enough during the first half of that contest to secure a roster spot, which was perfect timing since he didn't suit up for the preseason finale last Thursday. An undrafted rookie out of Eastern Washington, Chism represents an underdog story as he prepares to make the Patriots' 53-man roster. The rapport he formed with Drake Maye during the preseason suggests he could earn some targets right away, but we don't yet have enough confidence in Chism to justify drafting him in typical 12-team fantasy leagues. However, he does represent an intriguing, low-risk sleeper in deep leagues, especially dynasty PPR formats.