Only one more preseason game is left for the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. This game will present one final opportunity for the starters to warm up for Week 1 of the regular season. But the starters of the 49ers will likely only play for a short amount. This game will mostly be for the players who must impress the coaches. A roster spot or an increased role on the team is on the line. However, there is one 49ers rookie who needs to impress the most in the preseason finale.
One 49ers Rookie who Needs to Impress Against the Raiders
Jacob Cowing
The 49ers rookie who needs to impress in the preseason finale against the Raiders is wide receiver Jacob Cowing. Arguably, the best player for the 49ers in the second preseason game against the New Orleans Saints was Cowing. He recorded four catches for 51 yards and one carry for 19 yards. He proved his efficiency in the short game, as a runner on jet sweeps, and as a vertical threat. The highlight of the game for him came on a 38-yard catch to set up the lone touchdown.
There were even a couple of sweet special teams moments from Cowing as a punt returner in that game. It was impressive to see how much of an impact he made, considering he has missed the vast majority of training camp with a hamstring injury. Usually, a rookie wouldn’t be firing off in their debut, given the time missed, so for Cowing to look that good was telling. However, despite being amazing in his preseason debut, it wasn’t enough for head coach Kyle Shanahan to buy into the hype.
“It’s still early,” said Shanahan of Cowing’s performance. “He got his first full week in. It was good to see him do some things in the game. Really liked how smooth he looked as a punt returner. But he’s still got a lot to go through. He is behind.”
Outlook
Shanahan is correct. Cowing needs more than one impressive performance. He is behind. That is why he is the one 49ers rookie who needs to impress in the preseason finale against the Raiders. It is all about stacking up amazing performances. Having one isn’t enough for a Super Bowl-contending team. Another impressive performance can go a long way for him, given the time he’s missed. It’s the difference between being a role player and being lost on the depth chart.
Plus, Cowing can end up creating some distance between him and fellow rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the eyes of Shanahan. If Cowing looks sweet against the Raiders in the preseason finale, then he will be the rookie that the 49ers rely upon. Pearsall is in danger of falling behind. That is due to him missing time with a shoulder injury. All it takes is for Cowing to perform tremendously again. Doing so will allow him to be in consideration for a role in the 49ers offense.
Should he accomplish that, then he can give the 49ers offense a new dynamic. And that dynamic is a vertical threat that they have been searching for in the last five years.
Main Image: Robert Kupbens – USA Today Sports
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