The San Francisco 49ers are making a change after the team’s youngest wide receiver has struggled at the start of the season. Although it may not impact his offensive playing time, WR Jacob Cowing will no longer serve as the team’s starting punt returner.
On October 2, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that FB Kyle Juszczyk will take over as the starting punt returner. When asked about Juszczyk’s ability to perform under pressure, Shanahan confirmed the change in a follow-up question.
“I don’t care how good your hands are; catching a punt in an NFL game is no easy task. Especially when we’re telling him to just fair catch it. Kyle has the confidence to seize the opportunity and try to break tackles… He’ll be starting the rest of the year,” Shanahan said.
Juszczyk stepped in to return punts after Cowing dealt with a shoulder issue, and instead of playing it safe with a fair catch, he returned the punt for 8 yards.
**Cowing’s Struggles**
While Cowing’s shoulder issue contributed to Juszczyk’s promotion, he hasn’t fully capitalized on his chances. He is averaging just 5.3 yards per return over six total punts.
In the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Cowing also muffed a punt during his NFL debut, which is understandable given the nerves. Fortunately, the 49ers recovered the fumble thanks to DB Isaac Yiadom.
After that game, Shanahan supported Cowing, indicating that the fourth-round pick is still part of the team’s plans and would receive further opportunities.
“That’s just one muffed punt,” Shanahan said on September 18. “He’s been one of the most natural catchers we’ve had during my eight years here, both in practice and games. I know he had that mistake, which we can’t afford, but everyone has one occasionally. We just hope that’s the last of it.”
**Juszczyk’s Increased Role**
In addition to returning punts, Juszczyk has seen a rise in his overall usage this season. Through four games, the 2023 All-Pro has recorded 7 catches for 77 yards. Primarily a blocker, his receiving ability has become crucial for San Francisco.
Currently, Juszczyk is on track for 30 catches this season, which would be close to his career-high of 33 receptions in 2017, his first year with the 49ers. Over the last two seasons, he managed only 33 catches combined.
He is also averaging 19.25 receiving yards per game, which would lead to a total of 327 yards by season’s end—his highest receiving total in a 12-year career.
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