The injuries to defensive end Nick Bosa and quarterback Brock Purdy are the headlines about possible health issues that could lead to changes on both sides of the ball for the San Francisco 49ers when they visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
However, a concussion suffered by rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jacob Cowing could also force the 49ers to make a change on special teams.
Cowing was a punt returner for the 49ers this season and suffered a concussion in Week 11 when he injured his knee on his helmet during a punt return.
He was able to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday, giving rise to optimism that he can clear the concussion protocol in time to be fit for Sunday. Thursday's practice report showed Cowing did not participate, putting his status for Sunday's showdown with the Packers in question.
San Francisco has a handful of options to replace Cowing if he can't clear the protocol.
Second-year Ronnie Bell was a punt for the 49ers last season and worked there during training camp. First-round rookie Ricky Pearsall also took punts in practice during his time with the 49ers. Pearsall also managed 15 punt returns during his two seasons at the University of Florida.
The only player other than Cowing to return a punt this year was fullback Kyle Juszczyk, but it's unclear if the team wanted to use him there for an entire game. He is also an option if the club does not have confidence in Bell or Cowing.
Veteran wide receiver Trent Taylor is also available on the practice squad. He has spent most of his career as a reliable punt returner, and if Cowing is out, the team could have room to move Taylor off the practice roster.
Cowing returned 15 punts for 124 yards and a long of 31 yards this season. He also had two botched punts, although one came when CB Darrell Luter Jr. was blocked on him.
We'll find out on Friday if Cowing has a chance of being there on Sunday.