Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Jimmy Horn Jr.

Wednesday, May 28, 1:41 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently said he was impressed that wide receiver Jacob Cowing, who weighed 168 pounds at last year's scouting combine, added more weight in the offseason. Cowing also trained with quarterback Brock Purdy in Jacksonville and Arizona this offseason, signaling he wasn't happy with a 2024 rookie season in which he was used sparingly on offense. The 24-year-old only caught four passes last year, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows thinks he should be an asset on quick-hitters and jet sweeps that went to Deebo Samuel Sr. in recent years. The former fourth-rounder (135th overall) out of Arizona could have a bigger role early in the 2025 season with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) rehabbing an injury and Demarcus Robinson facing a potential suspension, but for now, Cowing will just be one to keep an eye on during training camp.

Tuesday, June 3, 3:26 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (hamstring) is not practicing during this week's OTAs as he works through a hamstring injury, according to team reporter David Newton. While catching passes from Shedeur Sanders over the last two seasons at Colorado, Horn hauled in 95 receptions for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns in 23 games. He was a sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it would be somewhat of a surprise if he's on the fantasy football radar in Year 1. Assuming he can get healthy and make the 53-man roster, he figures to begin his career behind Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Adam Thilen, David Moore, Jalen Coker, and potentially more wideouts on the depth chart.