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:
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.
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
ESPN doesn't expect much from 49ers' Jordan James in Year 1
By David Bonilla
May 16
ESPN's Mike Clay evaluated the landscape for rookie NFL running backs, projecting the potential roles of several first-year players. Among them is Jordan James, whom the San Francisco 49ers selected in the fifth round of the draft out of Oregon. James joins a backfield led by...
The San Francisco 49ers announced two roster moves on Monday, one of which was first reported last week. The team officially signed kicker Greg Joseph to a one-year deal. He will provide offseason competition for third-year kicker Jake Moody, who struggled during the 2024...
49ers make roster moves, sign cornerback and waive safety
By Site Staff
May 13
The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed cornerback Derrick Canteen to a three-year contract. To make room on the roster, the team waived safety Quindell Johnson. Canteen joined the team as an undrafted free agent and participated in last week's rookie minicamp on a...
49ers officially announce signing Brock Purdy to a 5-year contract extension
By Site Staff
4 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers have officially announced a five-year contract extension with quarterback Brock Purdy, following initial reports last week. The team also noted in its press release that a press conference with Purdy is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
The 49ers...
