JordanJames

News: 6 days agoJames (finger) returned to practice Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: James missed some time early in training camp due to a knee injury and then broke a finger not long afterward that required surgery, resulting in him missing the 49ers' entire preseason slate. Despite the time away from the field, the rookie fifth-round pick survived roster cuts and resides in a backfield led by Christian McCaffrey and followed by newcomer Brian Robinson and second-year pro Isaac Guerendo. As a result, James may be a regular inactive on game days, even when he's healthy enough to be available.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: James was selected by the 49ers in the fifth round of April's draft. His collegiate efficiency was all over the map, including a below-average YAC (2.97) but also a class-low 11% negative run rate and a class-best 49% 5-plus-yard run rate. He was also limited as a receiver and underwhelmed at the combine, including a 4.55 40-yard dash, 1.62 10-yard split and 117-inch broad jump (the latter two tied for worst in this RB class). James will open his career behind Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson Jr. and Isaac Guerendo, so he's well off the fantasy radar.