The San Francisco 49ers suffered a comprehensive loss against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, but Kyle Shanahan isn’t pointing fingers. In fact, the 49ers head coach made it a point to back up rookie wide receiver Jacob Cowing after his muffed punt in the third quarter of the loss.

“That’s one muffed punt,” Shanahan told reporters on September 18. “Just when it comes to catching stuff, he’s been as natural of a catcher as we’ve had in our eight years here, just in practice, how he’s been in the games. I know that one got away from him, which we can’t have those. But everyone muffs one here and there. You just hope that was the end of it.”

Cowing has shown promise since joining San Francisco as a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. His opportunities have been limited, so his muffed punt stands out like a sore thumb this early in his career.

Ultimately, the error did not result in disaster for the 49ers because teammate Isaac Yiadom recovered Cowing’s muffed punt. Two plays later, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw an interception that resulted in a Vikings touchdown that put them up 20-7 midway through the third quarter.

49ers WR Clowns Rams Ahead of Los Angeles Visit

The 49ers fanbase is known for how well it travels. In terms of a trip like San Francisco’s visit to the Los Angeles Rams for Week 3, it’s the chance to fully take over a stadium. In the past, the 49ers have played to an almost-home crowd when at SoFi Stadium and this year appears no difference.

When asked about the possibility of a takeover, WR Brandon Aiyuk was clearly excited. Aiyuk has totaled 9 catches for 124 yards and one touchdown in his last two visits to SoFi Stadium. To no one’s surprise, he said he was looking forward to adding to that total in front of thousands of 49ers fans.

“It’s going to be great,” Aiyuk said, according to NBC Sports. “It’s going to be great. We love going to play down there. We love seeing all the red down there. [It’s a] little home — Home Dome Stadium. So, we’re excited.”

Deebo Samuel Drops Strong Message During Recovery

Continuing through the 49ers wide receiver room, Deebo Samuel is laying down the gauntlet for his team. The former South Carolina Gamecock has played in two Super Bowls with the 49ers, but he has yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

On an episode of his “Cleats and Convos” podcast, Deebo made it clear that the 2024 season is the 49ers’ chance at glory.

“If I’m looking at it like you just said [about being] hungrier, I’m full at this point,” Samuel said. “I’m full at this point. Like, it’s time to really clean the plate. It’s either now or never. That’s how I kind of look at it.”

Samuel is recovering from a calf injury and will be out for at least a couple of games. The 28-year-old had a strong start to the year before his injury, totaling 164 yards on 13 catches.