6 49ers who improved roster chances in preseason win vs. Chiefs
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Wide Receiver Richie James
Jordan Matthews certainly increased his chances and stock value for the 49ers’ wide receiver depth chart. But he’s still on the bubble, even if it’s only on the stronger side.
Second-year wide receiver Richie James, however, all but put himself as a lock following his impressive outing against the Chiefs.
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James impressed on special teams during the preseason game in Denver. On Saturday night, James was more of an offensive weapon, hauling in all four of his targets and leading the Niners offense with 66 receiving yards.
One of those, a 33-yard reception from Jimmy Garoppolo, was particularly impressive and helped set up San Francisco’s first touchdown of the night.
Oh, and that was with the 49ers’ first-team unit. Take note of that, too.
James’ path to the 53-man roster could be made a bit easier with the fact fellow receiver Trent Taylor is recovering from a Jones fracture in his foot. While Taylor could be ready early in the season, it’s not out of the question the Niners want to have some reserve options at a ready-to-go level.
49ers vs. Chiefs: Preseason Week 3 grades and analysis. dark. Next
So far this preseason, James has checked off those boxes, essentially putting himself atop the discussion to crack through the cut list and onto the regular-season roster.