The San Francisco 49ers capped off their 2018 preseason with a 23-21 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night. And rookie wide receiver Richie James likely ensured he'll have a spot on the 53-man roster after his performance.
Rookie wide receiver Richie James wasn't necessarily a lock to make the San Francisco 49ers' 53-man roster in 2018. But after his efforts Thursday night during the Niners' final exhibition tuneup against the Los Angeles Chargers, James is likely going to make the cut.
James' night was pretty spectacular during San Francisco's 23-21 loss. He saw a sizable portion of field time, indicating head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted to give him as big an opportunity to flash his value to the regular-season roster. When the night was over, James' stat line read seven catches for 80 yards. He also added an impressive 23-yard punt return late in the third quarter.
Quarterback Nick Mullens also found James for a 27-yard pickup that quarter as well -- a perfectly thrown pass along the sideline on which James was being covered by two Chargers defenders:
Don't kid yourself. #49ers' WR Richie James is making this roster. pic.twitter.com/sAJHK3NEkK
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) August 31, 2018
The 49ers have a number of tough decisions at wide receiver with the preseason now over. Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis are locks to make the 53-man roster. Kendrick Bourne stands a good chance to make the cut. And if Shanahan elects to keep no more than six receivers into Week 1, one would argue James has to be the final player selected.
It would mean he beats out special teams ace Aaron Burbridge, as well as a number of the other depth receivers. But based off James' preseason finale, it's hard to suggest the rookie seventh-round NFL Draft pick would be left off.