Who Should I Start? Tank Dell or Jacob Cowing

Monday, May 5, 12:03 PM

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander reports that Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) will most likely miss the entire 2025 season and be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Dell tore his ACL, LCL and MCL and also suffered meniscus damage to his left knee and a dislocated kneecap on Dec. 21 of last year. The 25-year-old has already had multiple surgeries on his knee and most likely will not be able to get back on the field this upcoming season, which shouldn't come as a big surprise given the severity of his injury. Dell could be back at some point in 2026, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's never the same player after such a devastating knee injury. It's why Houston drafted both Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in this year's NFL draft after losing Stefon Diggs in free agency. Before his injury last year, Dell had a 51-667-3 line on 81 targets for Houston.

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.