Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Savion Williams

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, August 31, 11:43 AM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams has suffered various injuries throughout his first professional training camp and missed all three preseason games. The Green Bay coaching staff had gadget plays in mind for the third-round speedster, but he has been unable to stay on the field. The Packers have a crowded wide receiver room, even with injuries to Jayden Reed (foot) and Christian Watson (knee). If Reed, who is questionable, misses Week 1, Williams still has first-round pick Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Heath to compete with for snaps. Williams may have a play designed for him here and there, but it won't be consistent enough volume for redraft fantasy managers to spend a roster spot on him.