Takeaways from NFL preseason Week 2: Is Jacob Cowing forcing the 49ers' hand at receiver?

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason added clarity as teams race toward the Aug. 30 roster cut to reach 53-man lists. ESPN’s NFL Nation highlighted position battles and depth-chart movement after Thursday’s opening action and the games continuing Friday and Saturday. For the 49ers, Jacob Cowing’s role is gaining traction: he returned a punt 83 yards for a score and is described as the most reliable punt return option, which could help him secure a receiver spot. On the offensive line, left guard remains unsettled despite rookie Carver Willis starting, with Connor Colby and Robert Jones also in the mix. The Chargers face uncertainty at center after Tyler Biadasz’s ACL injury; second-round rookie Jake Slaughter saw early snaps and allowed zero pressures.