Will

James

We’ll update Peterson’s status as we know more.

Peterson, thought of as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league a few years ago, is suffering from a career-threatening back injury. Sam Madison and Corey Webster are the favorites to start at cornerback for the Giants this season.

James, formerly known as William Peterson, played ten seasons in the NFL, most recently in 2010 with the 49ers. He was a third-round pick of the Giants in 2001, and also spent time with the Eagles, Jaguars, and Lions. James made $5.5 million in 2005, the year in which he didn’t file taxes.

The Cards are thin at corner, and used Trumaine McBride at nickel back behind Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Michael Adams at their first minicamp. James, who will visit the 49ers on Monday, played for Henderson in Jacksonville two years ago when Henderson coached the Jaguars’ DBs.

Coming off a poor season in Detroit, James will likely compete with journeymen Karl Paymah and Keith Smith for one spot. If James sees significant playing time in 2010, the Niners’ pass defense is in trouble.

James’ mediocre talent is a bigger concern than his ability to learn the plays. He’ll be competing with Karl Paymah, who ran with the first-team at minicamp while starters Shawntae Spencer and Nate Clements skipped out.

It was originally reported that James was a bystander simply because he didn’t know the playbook yet. Coach Mike Singletary declined to say where the fracture is located. James needs to get healthy to compete with Karl Paymah for one of the final secondary spots.

No wonder coach Mike Singletary declined to give details about this injury. James is expected to be cleared to return to the field when the Niners return to practice on June 7.

Peterson said he might play Thursday’s preseason finale against the Patriots, and will ''definitely be ready’’ for Week 1 against the Cardinals.

''I don’t know that it will be a full green light,’' Coughlin said.