Who Should I Start? Xavier Gipson or Jacob Cowing

Saturday, June 14, 1:31 PM

New York Jets former undrafted wide receiver Xavier Gipson has been a non-contributor as a wide receiver on offense despite fighting his way onto the active roster in his first year in the NFL and then scoring a game-winning, punt-return touchdown in his first game in 2023. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt write that Gipson's roster spot is in jeopardy heading into training camp with undrafted rookie wideout Jamaal Pritchett pushing him. The 24-year-old is currently the front-runner to be New York's punt returner, but it's not a lock. He caught 21 of 38 targets for 229 yards and no touchdowns on offense in 2023 but regressed last year and caught just six passes for 39 yards and a TD in 17 games (no starts). Gipson isn't anywhere near the fantasy radar heading into the 2025 season.

Wednesday, July 23, 3:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hamstring) suffered a pulled hamstring during Wednesday's training camp practice, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The second-year wideout out of Arizona had a strong spring and is looking to earn a role in 2025, so this is obviously a tough development. However, it is unclear how much practice time Cowing will be forced to sit out, so fantasy managers in deep leagues should monitor the situation. The 2024 fourth-round pick was limited to just four receptions for 80 yards last season in 15 games, but he is a candidate to fill a "gadget" role left behind by Deebo Samuel Sr., who was traded to the Washington Commanders this offseason. With Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) sidelined to begin camp, depth is becoming a concern for the San Fran WR room.