Jordan

James

James, who had been dealing with a wrist injury but is now in the clear, winds up as a healthy scratch along with Martin. The other four players were ruled out on Friday.

Before injuring his ankle in mid-August, Watkins was competing for one of the team’s top-four wide receiver roles. Training camp reports indicated that the rookie looked good. Watkins is unlikely to meaningfully contribute this week but wide receiver-needy fantasy managers can stash him on benches to see how things shake out in the short term. 49ers RB Jordan James (finger) and will also make his 2025 debut this week.

James was a limited participant during Thursday’s practice, but 49ers executive John Lynch told reporters that the fifth-round pick is “ready to go.” Obviously Christian McCaffrey is the bellbow in the offense, but James should see some involvement; particularly for a team that is expected to run the football an awful lot of Mac Jones under center against a not-so-good New Orleans football team.

This morning’s reports indicate McCaffrey is a “full go” for Week 1. Players managing soft tissue injuries are not without re-injury risk, but McCaffrey is likely locked in for an RB1-level workload in the 49ers’ efficient offense and logic dictates that the team would shut him down if the injury was more than a mild strain. No. 2 RB Brian Robinson is still absorbing the 49ers’ playbook, which makes his rotational workload difficult to project. He’s a low-floor FLEX. The 49ers declared WR Jordan Watkins (ankle), RB Jordan James (finger), OL Drew Moss, OL Austen Pleasants, DT Jordan Jefferson, DE Robert Beal Jr., and LB Nick Martin inactive for Week 1 against the Seahawks.

James and WR Jordan Watkins (ankle) were seemingly headed in the right direction, but head coach Kyle Shanahan is often reticent to trust rookies, so maybe the team is just playing it safe with two players who are unlikely to take the field anyway. With Christian McCaffrey (calf) questionable, it’s possible the team chooses to keep James active if McCaffrey is unable to go. James could be stashed on deep-league benches, if need be.

James should be available for the 49ers at this point, if they need him against the Seahawks on Sunday. Christian McCaffrey notably appeared on the injury report with a calf injury today, and although there is no reason to panic, it’s good to be familiar with the 49ers’ RB depth chart. James currently sits fourth behind Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo. 49ers rookie WR Jordan Watkins (ankle) returned to practice in a limited capacity today.

James underwent surgery to repair a finger fracture in early August. The backfield looks a whole lot different now, with Brian Robinson now occupying the No. 2 spot. James belongs on dynasty rosters but can be left in the free agent pool in re-draft at this time.

Wilson, 29, has spent the last 2.5 seasons in Miami after being dealt to the Dolphins during the 2022 trade deadline. Since then, the veteran back has struggled with injuries and an inability to find consistent playing time in a Dolphins backfield that has been ripe with young, explosive talent. Wilson’s signing comes after the 49ers lost Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) for"a few weeks” and rookie Jordan James to a broken finger. Both running backs could have a chance to be ready for the start of the season, but they’ll be cutting it close. Wilson spent five seasons playing with the Niners in Kyle Shanahan’s system and can provide a sense of familiarity to the backfield. Wilson rushed for 57 scoreless yards on 16 carries last season and shouldn’t be viewed as a permanent fixture on the 49ers’ roster once Guerendo and James are able to return.

The 49ers’ running back depth is thin. Incumbent No. 2 RB Isaac Guerendo is also currently sidelined by a shoulder injury. James has played well thus far and can likely secure the No. 3 role behind Guerendo if he can produce a strong showing later this month. James also recently dealt with knee injury.

Guerendo continues to struggle to stay healthy. After injuries ended his 2024 campaign, Guerendo will now miss time with a shoulder injury that may or may not threaten his availability for Week 1. While we would hope he would be ready by September 7th, when the 49ers visit the Seahawks, Shanahan’s saying Guerendo’s absence will be “a few weeks” leaves plenty open for interpretation. If Guerendo is unable to be ready for the start of the season, backup running back duties would presumably go to Jordan James, who was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of this year’s draft.