NEWS

SOCIAL STATS VIDEOS

NEWS

SOCIAL STATS VIDEOS

NEWS

SOCIAL STATS VIDEOS

No catches in start James started and logged 51 offensive snaps (91 percent) Saturday, but he was held catchless (one target) in a 20-12 win over Arizona.

Impact The 49ers were able to pound the rock with continued success against a Cardinals defense that was without Corey Peters (knee), the team's starting nose tackle and premier run stuffer. As a result, C.J. Beathard was asked to throw the ball only 22 times, and most of those targets went to tight ends and running backs. James did stick in the starting lineup opposite Brandon Aiyuk, which gives him some upside heading into a Week 17 matchup against Seattle, especially if the game script forces San Francisco to air it out.

DECEMBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared for Week 16 James (ankle) doesn't have an injury designation for Saturday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact The 49ers cleared James for the Week 16 matchup after he upgraded from limited participation at practices Tuesday and Wednesday to full activity Thursday. With Deebo Samuel (hamstring) having been shut down for the season, James is expected to hold down a regular role in three-receiver sets alongside Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne for the 49ers' final two games.

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Logs limited showing Wednesday James (ankle) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Impact Aside from lighting up the Packers for nine catches (on 13 targets) for 184 yards and one TD in Week 9, James has combined for an 11-144-0 line on 16 targets over the last five games. He could be in line for a few more snaps than normal with Deebo Samuel (hamstring) unlikely to play again this season and Trent Taylor (undisclosed) going on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday. Having said that, Brandon Aiyuk is the clear No. 1 wide receiver in the 49ers offense, with James, Kendrick Bourne and Jordan Reed otherwise getting scraps.

DECEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Limited to start week James (ankle) was a limited participant in Tuesday's walkthrough practice.

Impact James was absent from the 49ers' final drive of this past Sunday's loss to the Cowboys after tweaking his ankle. Although it was just a walkthrough, his presence at Tuesday's practice is an encouraging sign for his Week 16 status. The third-year receiver will aim to upgrade to full participation by the end of the week as he prepares for Saturday's game against the Cardinals. If he's able to play, he'll catch passes from C.J. Beathard because Nick Mullens (elbow) is done for the year.

DECEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Makes four catches vs. Cowboys James (ankle) caught four of seven targets for 56 yards and lost a fumble during Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Cowboys.

Impact James lost an early fumble on a punt return that resulted in a Dallas touchdown, but he bounced back to finish third on the team in receiving yardage as he recorded his best output since exploding onto the scene in his first appearance. He appeared to tweak his ankle later in the game and was not on the field for the final drive. It's certainly possible James' injury is nothing serious, but if he's suffering any ill effects next Saturday, the 5-9 49ers could elect to hold him out of their tilt against the Cardinals as a precaution.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Dorance Armstrong forces Richie James into key punt-return fumble Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong forces San Francisco wide receiver Richie James into key punt-return fumble.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • NFL.COM

Playing time opens up again James caught all three of his targets for 33 yards in Sunday's 23-15 loss to the Football Team.

Impact Deebo Samuel (hamstring) went down on San Francisco's first offensive drive, opening the door for James to log 26 snaps on offense (32 percent) in addition to his 15 on special teams. The 5-foot-9 burner wasn't able to break off any big plays, which is necessary for him to be relevant in fantasy circles. Samuel will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of his injury, but there's a realistic chance his season is over. If he can't go Sunday, James would serve as the 49ers' third receiver against a terrible Dallas defense.

DECEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Just seven offensive snaps Monday James only logged seven offensive snaps (11 on special teams) and was not targeted in Monday's 34-24 loss to Buffalo.

Impact Brandon Aiyuk (reserve\COVID-19) returned from a one-week absence and pushed James from second down to fourth on the wide receiver depth chart with Kendrick Bourne sticking in the slot. Injuries allowed the 25-year-old to start the 49ers' three previous contest, and he turned one of those into a monster performance (nine catches for 184 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay in Week 9). With San Francisco's receiving corps back at full strength, James can safely be left on waivers heading into a Week 14 matchup with the Washington Football Team.

DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Limited production in start James logged 88 percent of offensive snaps as a starter Sunday, catching his lone target for 29 yards in a 23-20 win over the Rams.

Impact James was able to stick in the starting lineup even with Deebo Samuel (hamstring) being activated off of IR due to Brandon Aiyuk's (reserve/COVID-19) sudden absence. Even with a large share of the snap distribution, the speedy wideout was only targeted once. It is becoming clear that James' Week 9 explosion against the Packers (nine receptions, 184 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets) was an anomaly. The 25-year-old certainly has the athleticism to generate big plays, but he isn't getting enough looks to generate much fantasy value. James could find himself moving back down the depth chart if Aiyuk is able to return to the starting lineup for next Monday's tilt against the Bills now that Samuel has reclaimed his role as San Francisco's top receiving option.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Fails to deliver in start James logged 69 offensive snaps (97 percent) and finished with three receptions (five targets) for 26 yards in Sunday's 27-13 loss to New Orleans.

Impact James got the rare start despite both Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne returning from one-game layoffs. The 25-year-old was coming off of a career game (13 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown) against the Packers, but he was unable to replicate that success, despite rocketing up the depth chart. With a bye week on deck, the 49ers' receiving corps may see the much-needed return of Deebo Samuel (hamstring) when the team reconvenes. In that event, James could fall back into a special teams/situational role, but he also could stick in the rotation as a slot man after jumping in front of Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor on the depth chart. The 2018 seventh-round pick does offer big-play potential that the two aforementioned wideouts do not, so there could be some deep-league and DFS intrigue if that scenario holds true.

NOVEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Every catch by Richie James from 184-yard game | Week 9 Watch every catch by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James from his 184-yard game against the Green Bay Packers on

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Career-best night in loss James secured nine of 13 targets for 184 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers' 34-17 loss to the Packers on Thursday night.

Impact On a night when the 49ers were down Deebo Samuel (hamstring/COVID-19), Brandon Aiyuk (reserve/COVID-19), Kendrick Bourne (reserve/COVID-19) and George Kittle (foot), James exploded for an explosive fantasy night that was highlighted by a 41-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter. James only had 15 catches and 295 yards over his first two seasons coming into Thursday's contest, so he nearly matched those numbers with his busy night. James clearly paid off handsomely for those who may have picked him up as a streaming option or rolled the dice on him in DFS formats Thursday, but with the 49ers not back on the field until Sunday, November 15, James may be down to at least third on the depth chart if Samuel, Aiyuk and Bourne are healthy enough to return by that point.

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Every catch by Richie James from 184-yard game | Week 9 Watch every catch by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James from his 184-yard game against the Green Bay Packers on

NOVEMBER 6, 2020 • NFL.COM

Richie James finds space in Packers' secondary for 41-yard TD San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James finds space in Green Bay Packers' secondary for 41-yard TD.

NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NFL.COM

Richie James is left wide open for big 43-yard catch and run San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Richie James is left wide open for big 43-yard catch and run.

NOVEMBER 5, 2020 • NFL.COM

Officially questionable James (ankle) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Packers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Impact James could be in line for increased offensive opportunities if he's able to play Thursday, with Kendrick Bourne (illness) on the reserve/COVID-19 list and Dante Pettis no longer on the team. If he can't go, on the other hand, the 49ers will be down to only Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Taylor as healthy options at wide receiver.

NOVEMBER 4, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Limited in practice Tuesday James (ankle) was limited in practice Tuesday, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury reports.

Impact James was listed as a non-participant on the 49ers' estimated practice report yesterday, so his limited involvement Tuesday night is a step in the right direction. If he isn't cleared in time for Thursday's contest, the 49ers will be down to three wideouts, with Deebo Samuel (hamstring) already ruled out.

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

DNP on estimated practice report James (ankle) was listed as a non-participant on the 49ers' estimated practice report Monday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Impact A version of San Francisco's team practice report was printed without James' name present earlier in the day, but a subsequent update from Wagoner confirms that James is still dealing with an ankle issue. The 25-year-old was unable to go Sunday for a road trip to Seattle after fielding 23 offensive snaps and 21 special-teams snaps the preceding two weeks against the Rams and Patriots. His status will be one to monitor as San Francisco prepares to face Green Bay on Thursday Night Football.

NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Clear of injury report James (ankle) isn't listed on Monday's injury report.

Impact The 25-year-old didn't practice last week and sat out Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, so it's somewhat of a surprise to see him completely absent from Monday's injury report. Regardless, it appears James is recovered from the ankle issue and should return to his depth role Thursday versus the Packers.

NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Officially out Sunday James (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks, Keiana Martin of the 49ers' official site reports.

Impact James didn't practice all week and is in danger of missing the upcoming Thursday night game against the Packers as well. Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor are expected to handle starting duties Sunday while Dante Pettis and practice squad wideout River Cracraft rotate in.

OCTOBER 31, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Not expected to play Sunday James (ankle) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Seahawks, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Impact James sat out practice this week and is expected to miss his fifth game of the season. Through the three games the third-year wide receiver has played, he hasn't been targeted, contributing most of his efforts as a kick and punt returner. James could have had an expanded role if he suited up because Deebo Samuel (hamstring) has been ruled out, but now Dante Pettis could handle some offensive reps behind presumptive starters Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor.

OCTOBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Held out Thursday James (ankle) did not participate during Thursday's practice session, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Impact James missed Weeks 2 through 5 while residing on injured reserve with a hamstring issue, and coach Kyle Shanahan relayed during postgame Sunday that the 25-year-old subsequently suffered an ankle injury during a blowout win over New England. James has collected 60 yards on three kick-return attempts and 20 yards on a pair of punt returns over the past two weeks, but at this point, it's unclear when he will be able to return to action.

OCTOBER 29, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Not practicing Wednesday James (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Impact The 25-year-old picked up the injury during Sunday's win over the Patriots. James has mostly contributed in the return game since returning from injured reserve for Week 6.

OCTOBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Injures ankle in blowout win Coach Kyle Shanahan said in the postgame press conference that James suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's 33-6 win over New England, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Impact It's not clear exactly when James suffered the injury, but his only contributions on the stat sheet were two kick returns for 39 yards. The depth receiver and return man will hope to heal up in time for his team's Week 8 trip to Seattle.

OCTOBER 25, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Returns from injured reserve James (hamstring) was activated from injured reserve Saturday, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Impact The 25-year-old returned to practice during the first week of October and will be available for Sunday's matchup with the Rams. James should provide depth with San Francisco's group of wide receivers in good health.

OCTOBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE