LaMichael James Released by 49ers: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 9

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports on LaMichael James' status on the waiver wire and what his next step will be:

Original Text

The San Francisco 49ers have released third-year running back LaMichael James.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted the release and provided his thoughts on the situation:

Jim Harbaugh also confirmed James' release (via the 49ers):

James, 24, was drafted by the 49ers out of Oregon in the second round of the 2012 NFL draft. During his time with San Francisco, he was never able to carve out a prominent role on offense.   

The decision comes after a Week 1 win against the Dallas Cowboys and was apparently a mutual decision. James' agent, Jeff Sperbeck, passed along James' comments on the release:

Throughout his time in the league thus far, James has been used sparingly and suffered through injuries. He has carried the ball just 41 times over 15 games with the team, compiling 184 yards and no touchdowns.

After being released by the team, James doesn't have freedom to select where he will sign. As Adam Caplan of ESPN points out, he goes on waivers first:

The limited time on the field was likely the biggest issue for James.

After being selected in a high round, James has never served a true role on the offense when healthy. That was partly due to a deep stable of backs behind him that was regularly pushing for carries.

But even with Kendall Hunter on injured reserve and Marcus Lattimore not available heading into the season, James still didn't know his role in 2014, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle:

“I mean, if that happens,” James said. “I’m just as clueless as y’all. I’ll have to wait and see when that unravels if I have a role, or what my role may be. I’m still wondering about that, too.”

He was given two carries against the Cowboys that went for no yards. Though his numbers weren't great on the field, the miniscule chances given to him was noted by Pro Football Focus:

"

Former 2012 2nd round pick LaMichael James got on the field for 139 snaps during his time with the 49ers. Easy to see why he wanted out

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) September 8, 2014"

At just 24 years old, James might still have a career in the NFL ahead of him. But with a crowded backfield that already included Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde, his role clearly wasn't defined with the team.

Depending on where he lands next, James can be an offensive weapon despite his limited success at the NFL level thus far. With his speed and play-making ability, look for him to add depth to a team in the future.

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