Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Isaac TeSlaa

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).

Friday, December 5, 11:23 AM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa recorded two catches for 20 yards and a touchdown on three targets in his team's 44-30 Week 14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. While the 23-year-old has just eight receptions on the season, four of them have come in the end zone, including two in the last two weeks. TeSlaa has seen extended playing time thanks to the absence of Lions wideout Kalif Raymond (ankle), who has missed two straight games with an ankle injury. Raymond's return timeline is uncertain, but his return would almost certainly cut into TeSlaa's chances in the future. Still, Detroit may continue to utilize TeSlaa as a big-body threat in the red zone with tight ends Sam LaPorta (back) and Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. Fantasy managers interested in TeSlaa should monitor Raymond's injury status heading into Detroit's Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.