The Athletic’s Matt Barrows believes Brandin Cooks is the “next man up” in the 49ers receivers room.

13 October 2026

With Deebo Samuel sustaining a serious hamstring injury in Week 5 against Seattle, Cooks stepped in and functioned as San Francisco’s No. 2 receiver behind Mike Evans. Cooks was targeted on 17 percent of his pass routes against the Seahawks and caught a touchdown on his only reception. Though Jacob Cowing could mix in with Samuel sidelined, Cooks should be in line for a few targets a game. The well-traveled veteran can be picked up in deeper fantasy formats this week.