The San Francisco 49ers have released former second-round pick LaMichael James in a somewhat surprising move following their Week 1 win against the Dallas Cowboys.Â
According to James’ agent, the seldom-used running back asked for (and was granted) his release.
@LaMichaelJames appreciates the @49ers for granting him his release request & allowing him to pursue his career elsewhere.
— Jsper (@TheNOVOAgency) September 8, 2014
James was an interesting selection in the first place. A scat back in every definition of the term, James never really fit into the 49ers down-hill running scheme. And it showed on the field.
The former Oregon standout attempted just two runs against the Cowboys on Sunday. Over the course of his two-plus year career, James has a total of 46 regular season touches.
James obviously wasn’t happy about his role with the 49ers, as he took to social media to air his issues with the team’s lack of use of his talents on a consistent. This likely took another step forward after San Francisco sent rookie Bruce Ellington deep as its return man against Dallas on Sunday.
The move is interesting because it leaves Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde as the only two running backs on the 49ers roster. We can expect a move at some point in the not-so-distant future to fill the roster spot with another running back. Second-year player Marcus Lattimore, who has not suited up in a NFL game after suffering a torn ACL in his final year at South Carolina, can come off the inactive list after Week 6. But it seems foolish to expect much from him.
Photo: SF Gate