Could be headed for No. 2 RB role
James "seems the most likely" of San Francisco's running backs behind Christian McCaffrey to earn the No. 2 role for the upcoming campaign, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Brian Robinson served as San Francisco's No. 2 back last season, but he's since joined Atlanta. That leaves James, Isaac Guerendo, rookie Kaelon Black, Patrick Taylor and Sincere McCormick to battle for position behind McCaffrey, who led the NFL with 413 regular-season touches last year. The 49ers may want to reduce McCaffrey's workload in 2026, but that could hinge on whether a reliable No. 2 back emerges from the above-mentioned group. Wagoner suggests that James has an inside track on the job based partly on his strong play during garbage time in the 49ers' blowout loss to Seattle in the NFC divisional round, when he rushed six times for 28 yards and caught his lone target for seven yards. That's a very small sample size and is far from a guarantee that James -- who didn't play until Week 16 last year -- will take hold of top backup role, though it's worth noting that Guerendo, who may be James' biggest competition for the job, appeared in 14 regular-season games in 2025 but didn't log a single snap on offense.
More San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Football News
Christian McCaffrey
Wins Best Comeback Athlete
McCaffrey was named the Best Comeback Athlete at the 2026 ESPYS, Briana Jeannel of the 49ers' official site reports.
Ricky Pearsall
Poised to start opposite Evans
Pearsall is expected to enter training camp as San Francisco's starting wide receiver opposite Mike Evans, Kyle Madson of USA Today reports.
Brock Purdy
Plans throwing sessions before camp
Purdy, who has been participating in this week's Tight End University, an event hosted by teammate George Kittle (Achilles), said that he plans to gather with other 49ers for throwing sessions over the next month prior to training camp, David Lombardi of the San Francisco Standard reports.
Brandon Aiyuk
Interested in joining Commanders
In a video posted to Instagram Wednesday, Aiyuk (knee) said that if the 49ers released him, he'd sign with the Commanders "tomorrow," ESPN.com reports.
George Kittle
Feels on track for Week 1
Kittle (Achilles) said Tuesday that he feels "definitely on track" for Week 1 though "nothing is 100 percent certain," David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
George Kittle
Says he's ahead of schedule
Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he's "doing great" and is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab, ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner reports.
Mike Evans
Winning over teammates and coaches
Evans is making a strong impression at voluntary OTAs and feels rejuvenated after an injury-plagued 2025, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Brandon Aiyuk
Issued arrest warrant for speeding
Aiyuk (knee) has been issued an arrest warrant on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
Christian McCaffrey
Downplays workload concerns
McCaffrey said after Thursday's OTAs that he's looking forward to sustaining another heavy workload in 2026, and that any reductions in touches should come in practice rather than games, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
George Kittle
Still targeting Week 1
Kittle (Achilles) said Wednesday that he is still targeting the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Rams in Week 1 as his return date, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.