Jacob Cowing could do something for the 49ers that hasn’t happened since 2011

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 05: Jacob Cowing #19 of the San Francisco 49ers during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 47-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 40-9 on Thursday night in their second preseason game. On one side was current head coach Kyle Shanahan, who took one of the worst rosters in football in 2016 and transformed it into a juggernaut in a matter of years. On the other side was Jim Harbaugh, a former head coach who took one of the most underachieving rosters in 2010 and did the same (though with a much shorter-term effect).

And one of the more memorable plays of that night was no doubt wide receiver Jacob Cowing taking a punt 84 yards to the house:

ALL. THE. WAAAAAAY.

: ESPN & KPIX pic.twitter.com/C5MNaxOBab

- San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 21, 2026

We always have the disclaimer: This is preseason. Now, with that word from our sponsors out of the way, let's talk about what would have happened had Cowing broken this out during the regular season:

The 49ers would have their first punt return for a touchdown since 2011. Last time that happened? Jim Harbaugh was the head coach.

The last 49ers punt return TD in the regular season:

Ted Ginn Jr. - 55 yards vs. the Seahawks on September 11, 2011.

15 years ago.#49ers#FTTB#9ersmusepic.twitter.com/c8Hm8WSNrW

- 49ersMuse (@9ersmuse) August 21, 2026

Right, the opposing head coach could have said, I haven't seen a 49er do that since I was coaching them."

I thought it was huge," Kyle Shanahan said after the game.

Cowing would get targeted seven times Thursday, but only hauled in two catches for 14 yards receiving. As a receiver, the 49ers have a deep and competitive room, starting with veteran Mike Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling.

But if Cowing can put together punts like last night, he doesn't need to catch balls from Brock Purdy; he just needs to secure balls from the other team's kicker and give the 49ers decent field position. You know who else wasn't a demon wide receiver but a terrific returner? Ted Ginn Jr. The same guy who scored the 49ers' touchdown in 2011.

And like Ginn, Cowing needs to stay on the field. Because when Ginn was off the field in 2011, the 49ers' return game suffered. The name Kyle Williams in the NFC Championship game comes to mind.

It's important to note again it was a preseason game. The special teams Cowing would have to navigate in the regular season against the Los Angeles Chargers' backups is a different beast. That said, Cowing could be the fastest player on the team.

Deebo Samuel had two reps at punt returner prior to Cowing hitting the field. Samuel's first punt rolled into the end zone and the second was fair caught. So does that mean Cowing has the punt returner job?

Not yet," Shanahan said. But I like that he [Cowing] is making it easier."