Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Jacob Cowing

Sunday, August 25, 7:43 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith caught four passes for 34 yards on five targets to lead all Rams receivers in Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans in the final preseason game. Smith was efficient in catching four of his five looks but didn't stretch the field much on his catches. The Rams went deep into their depth chart in the last preseason game, giving Smith a big opportunity. He did nicely with his chance but is not someone who will be on the fantasy radar this season.

Wednesday, May 28, 1:41 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle recently said he was impressed that wide receiver Jacob Cowing, who weighed 168 pounds at last year's scouting combine, added more weight in the offseason. Cowing also trained with quarterback Brock Purdy in Jacksonville and Arizona this offseason, signaling he wasn't happy with a 2024 rookie season in which he was used sparingly on offense. The 24-year-old only caught four passes last year, but The Athletic's Matt Barrows thinks he should be an asset on quick-hitters and jet sweeps that went to Deebo Samuel Sr. in recent years. The former fourth-rounder (135th overall) out of Arizona could have a bigger role early in the 2025 season with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) rehabbing an injury and Demarcus Robinson facing a potential suspension, but for now, Cowing will just be one to keep an eye on during training camp.