Niner Noise
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Top 5 standouts from 49ers’ 23-17 preseason loss to Colts

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Alfred Morris #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: Alfred Morris #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Richie James #3 of the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders makes a reception against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 10: Richie James #3 of the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders makes a reception against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Wide Receiver Richie James

Rookie wide receiver Richie James was a stud in training camp, and he continued those efforts during the 49ers’ preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys two weeks earlier.

James was a bit of a non-factor in Week 2 of the preseason against the Houston Texans, however. But he returned to form in Indianapolis, logging three catches for 65 yards.

Including this third-quarter catch-and-run beauty that went for 42 yards.

There are two points of note here. First, Kyle Shanahan’s offense is designed to get players open. Once open, they’ll often have plenty of room to create yards after the catch. James’ reception here is a classic example of this.

Second, the Niners have a deep crop of receivers poised to make the 53-man roster, including Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis.

James had more yardage than any of those names on the day.

It’s pretty safe to say James has more than just a solid shot at making it through cuts ahead of the regular season. In fact, it would be shocking to not see him on the 53-man roster in Week 1.