49ers biggest winners, losers halfway through 2019 NFL preseason

6 of 9

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Richie James #13 of the San Francisco 49ers returns the opening kickoff against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Winner: Wide Receiver Richie James

Any doubts whether or not second-year wide receiver and return specialist Richie James should make the 49ers’ 53-man roster this season should be put to rest.

James had a solid six-catch, 31-yard effort during the Niners’ preseason opener against Dallas, followed up by an even more impressive performance in Denver last Monday. Granted, James’ one catch on offense didn’t exactly pop the stat sheet.

Instead, it’s what James did on special teams which should garner the most attention.

James seems to be getting the majority of punt returns, which is a solid sign. But he’s easily San Francisco’s most explosive kick returner.

On Monday, James managed a combined 80 yards on two kickoff takeouts, including a 48-yard return, too.

The 49ers have other wide receivers capable of acting as return specialists, yes. But if James is able to serve as a reserve offensive option, while offering up this kind of prowess on special teams, it should turn the team’s return efforts into something notably positive over the course of the regular season.