Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Xavier Weaver

Saturday, October 26, 3:43 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie Jacob Cowing should see some involvement at wide receiver when the team hosts the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. The fourth-rounder spent the first weeks of the season on the active roster returning punts before seeing his first career offensive action in Week 7. He delivered two catches on three targets for 50 yards against Kansas City, which led all 49ers receivers with Jauan Jennings (hip) out, and Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness/wrist) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) leaving the game early. Cowing's fantasy value this week hinges on the health of Samuel Sr. and George Kittle (foot). If both play, Cowing is a touchdown-dependent shot in the dark and not recommended in standard leagues. But if both miss, he becomes the second in line for targets behind fellow rookie Ricky Pearsall, with 2023 seventh-round pick Ronnie Bell and journeyman Chris Conley in the mix. WR-desperate fantasy managers in deeper leagues are advised to keep an eye out and consider Cowing if the 49ers get more bad injury news this weekend.

Friday, September 13, 10:09 PM

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Xavier Weaver (oblique) is officially questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The undrafted rookie wideout is still looking to make his NFL debut, and he has a chance to do so this week after logging three straight limited practice sessions. Weaver performed well in Arizona's preseason finale, reeling in 2-of-4 targets for 56 yards. He also handled two punt and kickoff returns for an additional 81 yards. The Colorado product projects to have difficulty finding consistent playing time in the starting WR rotation behind Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch -- even when healthy. However, he is someone to monitor regarding his usage on kick returns. If Weaver can gain consistency there, he could be helpful for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he can be safely avoided sans deep dynasty leagues.