49ers can no longer justify Ronnie Bell getting snaps over Jacob Cowing

Is Kyle Shanahan being stubborn by playing Ronnie Bell over Jacob Cowing? If so, the 49ers need to change up the depth chart now.

Typically, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has a preference for veterans over rookies.

But, the 2024 NFL Draft class has spat on that reputation, and more than a number of first-year pros are already making sizable impacts for the Niners over the first half of the season. Rookies like left guard Dominick Puni, cornerback Renardo Green and safety Malik Mustapha have already left a positive impression. Even first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who was shot in an attempted robbery last August, looks promising after playing in just two games.

Then, there's another rookie wideout, Jacob Cowing.

The fourth-round receiver is chomping at the bit. In light of San Francisco's swarm of injuries at the position, headlined by Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending ACL and MCL tears, one might figure Cowing would see a hefty uptick in usage, especially on offense.

Instead, the primary beneficiary of those injuries has been second-year receiver Ronnie Bell, who has been more closely associated with drops and mental mistakes this season than impact plays.

Ronnie Bell inexplicably plays more than Jacob Cowing

Cowing saw his first offensive snaps in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, namely due to Aiyuk's in-game injury and fellow wideout Jauan Jennings' absence due to a hip injury.

A two-catch, 50-yard effort suggested the speedster should jump above Bell on the depth chart. But, during the following week's contest against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Kyle Shanahan gave Cowing 12 offensive snaps to Bell's 15.

Bell was targeted once in that game, too, whereas Cowing didn't see a single throw go his way.

Why?

Kyle Shanahan must demote Ronnie Bell in favor of Jacob Cowing

Bell had an inexcusable drop that directly impacted the 49ers' shocking Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and it wasn't hard to find critiques and questions about why he was still on the roster.

Even NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco tried his best to explain the Niners' logic:

To his credit, quarterback Brock Purdy defended Bell after Week 3 despite the receiver's gaffe. But one can fairly wonder if the signal-caller's patience extends only so far.

Especially if such mistakes continue.

After that Rams game, Shanahan told reporters the plan for Cowing to see more on offense hadn't panned out yet. Judging by the rookie's offensive activity in the weeks since, aside from absolutely being needed in Week 7, it seems Shanahan's plan still favors Bell over Cowing.

Perhaps it has to do with Bell being more valuable as a blocker, an important element of Shanahan's offense. Cowing's route-running skills still need some refinement, too.

That said, it's pretty evident Bell won't figure into the Niners' long-term plans, and he's little more than a fringe wide receiver barely hanging onto a 53-man roster spot.

Cowing, while relatively unproven, still has an upside to explore and hopefully deploy.

With San Francisco hitting its Week 9 bye, halfway through the season, Shanahan must take a close look at both players' upsides and downsides, and then he has to make the right decision.

Cowing over Bell.

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