Wide receiver Richie James, the 49ers’ primary return man last season, is expected to require a two-month rehabilitation after recently sustaining a fractured bone in his wrist, the 49ers confirmed Friday morning. No surgery has been scheduled as of now.
James’ injury first was reported by the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The 49ers likely will be down at least two wide receivers at the beginning of training camp, which is scheduled to open in late-July. Potential No. 1 wideout Deebo Samuel suffered a Jones fracture in his foot and had surgery Thursday. Samuel is expected to miss between 12-16 weeks, although Samuel is confident he can come back sooner.
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James caught six passes for 165 yards and a touchdown while appearing in all 16 games last season. He averaged 8.0 yards on 33 punt returns and had a 21.4-yard average on 20 kickoff returns.
[RELATED: How Deebo Samuel's foot heals could make or break 49ers' 2020 season]
The 49ers have 12 wide receivers on their 90-man roster. In addition to Samuel and James, the club has rookie draft picks Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, along with Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis, Travis Benjamin, Jalen Hurd, Shawn Poindexter and Chris Thompson, as well as undrafted rookie Chris Finke.
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