Who Should I Start? Kevin Austin Jr. or Jacob Cowing

Sunday, January 5, 9:52 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. has seen increased playing time over the last few weeks. Austin has seen 70 percent of the offensive snaps or more during each of the last three games. Sadly, Austin hasn't been able to do much with the extra snaps. The 24-year-old has three receptions for 48 yards over the span. The expectation is Austin will continue seeing plenty of the field during Sunday's regular season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Austin hasn't done enough on the field lately to be considered a viable fantasy option.

Friday, June 13, 12:14 PM

The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that one of the themes among coaches and players this spring was that nobody took better advantage of the offseason than San Francisco 49ers second-year wide receiver Jacob Cowing. The 24-year-old was selected 135th overall (fourth round) last year but had a minimal role, catching just four passes for 80 yards in 15 games (zero starts). However, he trained with quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) early in the offseason and had a prominent role during spring practices. It helped that Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) were sidelined, but it's notable nonetheless. Cowing has great speed and is doing a better job of maintaining it throughout his cuts and breaks. He's good with the ball in his hands and could be a nice little gadget player in 2025, although it's unlikely to amount to much fantasy value.