Mike Garafolo of NFL Network on Wednesday delivered some good San Francisco 49ers news on the injury front. He reported that the team would likely be getting back wide receiver Richie James ahead of schedule.
James suffered a broken wrist in June and was expected to start the regular season on the non-football injury (NFI) list, forcing the receiver to miss part of the season. Garafolo reported that James is expected to be cleared in advance of the 49ers' Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the 49ers plan to remove James from the NFI list today.
That could be a boost for an injury-plagued wide receiver group. The team lost second-year wideout Jalen Hurd (ACL) for the season. The team could start getting healthy as Week 1 approaches, though. Head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to express optimism that Deebo Samuel (foot) and Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) will both be available for the team's first game on September 13.
James is a significant contributor on special teams. He was the team's leading kick returner last season, averaging 21.4 yards on his 20 returns. The receiver also led the team in punt returns with 264 yards on 33 returns (8.0-yard average).
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' lengthy injury list for Eagles game may prompt roster moves
The San Francisco 49ers typically make a small number of roster moves the day before each game, most often limited to elevating players from the practice squad and the occasional injury-related transaction. However, the 49ers head into Sunday's NFC Wild Card playoff matchup... -
These 7 49ers players are inactive vs. Eagles
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Wild Card playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. These seven players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: LB Luke Gifford (quadricep) DL Kevin Givens RB Isaac Guerendo CB Chase... -
49ers players react as Fred Warner returns to practice during playoff push
The San Francisco 49ers opened Fred Warner's practice window on Tuesday, a key step toward a potential return by the All-Pro linebacker in the NFC Championship Game. Still, the team isn't looking past the immediate task at hand: a Divisional Round playoff matchup against the... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas...