Jordan James Gets His First Taste of NFL Action - And Offers a Glimpse of What’s to Come for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t have much to celebrate in their divisional round loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night - a game that slipped away early and never really turned competitive. But amid the disappointment, the team may have uncovered a silver lining in the form of rookie running back Jordan James.
With the game effectively out of reach late in the second half, the Niners made the smart call to rest Christian McCaffrey, who’s shouldered a massive workload all season long. That opened the door for James to get his first real NFL reps - and while it came in garbage time, the rookie made the most of the moment.
James logged six carries for 28 yards, showing off the burst and quickness that made him an intriguing fifth-round pick out of Oregon. It wasn’t a game-changing performance, but it was enough to turn heads - particularly for a player who’s had to wait patiently for his shot.
A Long Road to the Field
San Francisco took James in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, drawn to his speed and potential fit as a complementary piece behind McCaffrey. But a hand injury during training camp derailed his early development, and with McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr. holding down the backfield, there simply wasn’t much need - or opportunity - for James to see the field during the regular season.
That changed as the year wore on. Once healthy, James climbed the depth chart, ultimately leapfrogging Isaac Guerendo, whose time with the team appears to be winding down. Guerendo flashed promise in 2024, but the 49ers clearly shifted direction in 2025, and James has emerged as the more trusted option heading into the offseason.
What Comes Next?
Brian Robinson Jr., who joined the 49ers via trade before the season to help bolster their thin running back group, turned in a solid campaign - 400 rushing yards and two touchdowns - but he's set to hit free agency. And with McCaffrey firmly entrenched as the starter, Robinson may look elsewhere for a bigger role.
That opens the door for James to step into the RB2 spot next season. General manager John Lynch has already acknowledged that the team viewed James as a viable backup to McCaffrey before the injury setback. Now that he’s healthy and trending upward, there’s a strong chance the 49ers lean on him in 2026 - especially if they choose to allocate resources to other areas of the roster.
A Small Sample, But a Promising One
James’ debut was brief, but it wasn’t meaningless. He ran with confidence, showed solid vision, and didn’t look overwhelmed by the moment. For a team that’s always on the hunt for reliable depth behind McCaffrey, that’s exactly what you want to see from a rookie in his first real action.
The 49ers’ season may have ended with a thud, but in Jordan James, they might’ve found a building block for the future. Keep an eye on him - his role in 2026 could be bigger than you think.