Opens camp as RB2
James appears to be operating as the No. 2 running back behind Christian McCaffrey to begin training camp, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
James already looked like the favorite for San Francisco's top backup job, and a strong early camp will only strengthen his case over rookie Kaelon Black and veterans Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) and Patrick Taylor. McCaffrey remains locked in as the 49ers' offensive centerpiece, but James would carry meaningful fantasy handcuff value if he secures the No. 2 role outright. A 2025 fifth-round pick, James suited up for only three regular-season game as a rookie.
More San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Football News
Christian Kirk
Walks off with trainer
Kirk walked off with an apparent injury during the 49ers' practice Sunday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Brandon Aiyuk
Remains on left squad list
San Francisco general manager John Lynch told reporters Saturday that Aiyuk (knee) will remain on the 49ers' reserve/left squad list, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
George Kittle
Starting training camp on PUP
The 49ers placed Kittle (Achilles) on the active/PUP list Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
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.