National Football League

49ers release running back LaMichael James

Published Sep. 8, 2014 4:01 p.m. ET

foxsports

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Running back LaMichael James was released by the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.

Coach Jim Harbaugh announced the move a day after his team's 28-17 win at Dallas. James has sought a greater role in the running game, but he had just two carries for no yards against the Cowboys on Sunday.

Harbaugh, who has an open-door policy with players, wouldn't talk about whether he met with the frustrated James, saying, ''We thought it was in the best interest of our team.'' The 49ers later re-signed wide receiver Kassim Osgood.

James was a second-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2012 out of Oregon. He also has handled return duties while playing in 15 regular-season games for San Francisco.

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