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).

Sunday, September 14, 11:53 AM

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III is once again a healthy scratch for Week 2 on Sunday versus the division-rival Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Chism impressed the coaching staff in training camp and the preseason, but it wasn't enough to put him on the active game-day roster the first two weeks of 2025. The 23-year-old was an undrafted free agent and has more work to do to get on the field on Sundays in his first NFL season. For now, he's just a bench stash in deep dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues. At the moment, he's blocked by receivers Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams. If an injury arises to any of New England's receivers, Chism will likely be the first to benefit.