Jordan James: Everything you need to know

James did not record a touch while appearing in three games for the 49ers in 2025. The rookie fifth-round pick was a healthy scratch for the first 14 weeks of the regular season before being activated on special teams for the final three contests. The 49ers only deploy their top two running backs on offense, so all three of James' appearances were limited to kick coverage in 2025. James will have to prove his worth in training camp as a sophomore next season in order to return as a depth piece behind star RB Christian McCaffrey.

James played just two snaps -- both on special teams -- in Sunday's 42-38 win over the Bears. After he was inactive for each of the 49ers' first 14 games, James suited up in Week 16 as the 49ers' No. 3 running back over Isaac Guerendo. The rookie fifth-round pick out of Oregon played just three snaps on offense in the 21-point win over the Colts, and with Sunday's contest proving to be more competitive, James disappeared from the game plan entirely. James could once again get the nod over Guerendo in Saturday's regular-season finale versus the Seahawks, but with the NFC West title on the line, expect Christian McCaffrey (back) and Brian Robinson to handle all of the available snaps at running back.

James is active for Monday night's game against the Colts. James is getting the nod as San Francisco's RB3 over Isaac Guerendo, who had been active for all 14 games prior to Monday night. James appears poised to make his regular-season NFL debut versus Indianapolis.