Across the 2023-24 seasons, no RB with 200+ rushes had a higher EPA per rush than James. Oregon's offensive environment was certainly conducive to success on the ground, but James was the one capitalizing on the holes he found. He was more efficient than Bucky Irving while sharing a backfield in 2023 -- and it wasn't on a small sample size, as James had 107 carries to 186 for Bucky. James was by far the more effective goal-line back of the two. He's a thumper. James feels like a clear corollary for recently departed Jordan Mason as the "get 'er done" RB in Kyle Shanahan's offense. However, he's likely to enter 2025 as the third option at RB at be on the depth chart when healthy and not worth drafting outside of deeper leagues.
Fantasy Stats
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Fantasy Points
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Fantasy Points per Game
2025
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2024
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2023
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3y Avg.
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0.00
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Fantasy News
49ers' Jordan James: Back on practice field
Rotowire
James (finger) returned to practice Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
James missed some time early in training camp due to a knee injury and then broke a finger not long afterward that required surgery, resulting in him missing the 49ers' entire preseason slate. Despite the time away from the field, the rookie fifth-round pick survived roster cuts and resides in a backfield led by Christian McCaffrey and followed by newcomer Brian Robinson and second-year pro Isaac Guerendo. As a result, James may be a regular inactive on game days, even when he's healthy enough to be available.
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49ers' Jordan James: Breaks finger, out a few weeks
Rotowire
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that James will miss a couple weeks due to a broken finger, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
James will require surgery to address his finger injury, ruling him out for Saturday's preseason opener against the Broncos and potentially also the 49ers' second preseason matchup, which will occur Aug. 16 versus the Raiders. With Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) also expected to miss a couple weeks, all of Patrick Taylor, Ameer Abdullah and Corey Kiner will benefit from increased reps behind star running back Christian McCaffrey.
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49ers' Jordan James: Returns to practice
Rotowire
James (knee) returned to practice Monday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
James was back after missing just a few days, while fellow backup running back Isaac Guerendo is out again due to an apparent shoulder injury he suffered Saturday. With Christian McCaffrey resting, James may even get a chunk of the first-team reps Monday as the 49ers prepare for Saturday's preseason opener against Denver.
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49ers' Jordan James: Misses practice with knee injury
Rotowire
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that James is not practicing due to "knee issues," Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
James has reportedly enjoyed a strong start to training camp, with Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows of The Athletic reporting that the rookie fifth-round pick has impressed both Shanahan and offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak. Health provided, James appears in solid position to secure the No. 3 backfield role behind All-Pro starter Christian McCaffrey and backup Isaac Guerendo, but the severity of his current knee issue remains undisclosed. Per Noah Furtado of the San Francisco Chronicle, Shanahan said James will be re-evaluated periodically throughout the next week.
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49ers' Jordan James: Headed to Bay Area
Rotowire
The 49ers selected James in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 147th overall.
James initially saw work as a part-time contributor with the Oregon Ducks in 2023, when he racked up 107 carries for 759 yards and 11 touchdowns working in tandem with Bucky Irving, but the former took over the lead job last season and posted workhorse numbers, racking up 233 totes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors. He didn't test particularly well at the combine and isn't viewed as a home-run threat, but he's quick to find the hole and get downhill. James joins a 49ers team that dealt Jordan Mason to the Vikings this offseason, leaving Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo (knee/ankle) at the top of the depth chart. Given McCaffrey's injury history, there's a non-zero chance James will see the field as a rookie if he can beat out Patrick Taylor for third-string duties.
