49ers rout Chargers 41-17; Cowing's 83-yard punt-return TD, then an injury cluster
San Francisco dominated Los Angeles 41-17 in preseason play at SoFi. Jacob Cowing's 83-yard punt-return touchdown was the signature moment, while the 49ers also logged a slate of injuries including Austen Pleasants' knee and several hamstrings.
The San Francisco 49ers looked every bit the team to beat in the NFC West, rolling past the Los Angeles Chargers 41-17 in their preseason meeting at SoFi Stadium — the site of this season's Super Bowl. The blowout gave way to a signature special-teams moment and, afterward, a concerning list of injuries.
Cam Inman (@CamInman): 49ers beat Chargers 41-17 in preseason game at SoFi Stadium, site of the Super Bowl on Valentine's Day
Jacob Cowing authored the highlight, taking a punt back 83 yards for a touchdown. It was a cathartic score for a player who tore his right hamstring four times and missed all of last season; teammates' visible joy told the story. Coach Kyle Shanahan, asked whether the return locked up the punt-returner job, demurred: "Not yet but I like that he's making it easier."
Cam Inman (@CamInman): Cowing tore his right hamstring 4 times as he missed last season Did he lock up punt returner job with TD? Shanahan: "Not yet but I like that he's making it easier"
The medical report is where the staff's attention now turns. Offensive lineman Austen Pleasants, who had been in a four-man left-guard battle, went down in the third quarter; Shanahan is hopeful it is not an ACL. The 49ers also listed Robert Jones (calf), Renardo Green (hamstring), Nick Martin (hamstring) and Patrick Taylor Jr. (adductor, placed on IR) among the dinged-up.
Cam Inman (@CamInman): 49ers injuries Pleasants not likely ACL Robert Jones, calf Renardo Green, hammy Nick Martin, hammy Patrick Taylor Jr, adductor IR
None of the injuries appear to be season-altering on their face, but the cluster arrives with the roster deadline looming. For a team that looked this crisp in August, keeping the band together through cutdowns is the priority — and Cowing's return game just gave the kicking units a jolt of speed they have been missing.