James scored a touchdown on a 97-yard kickoff return during the 26-23 overtime victory.
The other award nominees are Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels, Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Foster, and Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The 49ers made James a seventh-round draft pick out of Middle Tennessee State in April. While the majority of his playing time has come as a returner on special teams, he also has five receptions for 94 yards through 11 games and one start at receiver.
Fans can click here to vote for James over at NFL.com through Friday at noon PT.
49ers rookie defensive back D.J. Reed was nominated for the award last week and wide receiver Dante Pettis earned a nomination the week before. Neither ended up winning.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers express interest in Steelers CB James Pierre
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the San Francisco 49ers are among several teams that have expressed preliminary interest in Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre. As of yesterday these teams with preliminary interest on #Steelers CB James Pierre included: ... -
49ers to meet with Missouri LB after NFL Combine snub
Former Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he is still drawing interest ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, including from the San Francisco 49ers. Jacobs is scheduled to participate in Missouri's Pro Day on March 20, where multiple NFL... -
How the 49ers can further bolster the WR room after signing Mike Evans
The 49ers already made a statement by bringing in future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. If San Francisco wants to truly maximize the window this new Evans deal opens, the next step is pretty clear: keep stacking the receiver room with pieces that fit Kyle Shanahan's offense and... -
Will 49ers revisit Maxx Crosby trade after Ravens nix deal with Raiders?
While this development is not directly tied to the San Francisco 49ers, the team reportedly showed some interest in star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The Las Vegas Raiders had agreed to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, seemingly ending the long-running tension between the...