The 49ers got a series of positive injury updates from head coach Kyle Shanahan following Wednesday’s practice. Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk were among the players Shanahan expects to be back in action for the lead up to the season opener on Sept. 13, but now it sounds like they could get another receiver back for Week 1. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reported Richie James Jr. “should be cleared in advance of Week 1.”
This is a stark contrast to the last update Shanahan gave about James, in which the head coach said he expected James to begin the season on the Non-Football Injury list after James broke his hand during an offseason workout.
Initial reports on the injury indicated James would be back by mid-August. Starting the season on NFI would’ve put the receiver out of action for at least the first six weeks. Now Garafolo has the receiver and return man slotted to suit up for the season opener.
James hasn’t been much of a factor on offense since the 49ers made him a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He has just 15 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns in his career, but he’s carved out a role as a return man. James has been the 49ers’ primary returner on kickoffs for two years, then last season took over punt return duties.
Having him back in the fold could push a player like Tavon Austin out of the running for a roster spot, so James’ status will be well worth keeping an eye on in the lead up to the opener.
