49ers vs. Chiefs: Top 5 performances from preseason Week 3

No. 5: Wide Receiver Richie James

Wide receiver Richie James has been one of the more interesting pieces, in terms of the 49ers roster construction for 2019. The former seventh-round draft pick out of Middle Tennessee State has shown flashes throughout his time with the 49ers and has proven his worth as a kick returner.

But given the drafting of fellow receivers Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd this offseason, and the resurgence of Trent Taylor, James was starting to look like a potential cut, in spite of his potential.

Then Taylor had foot surgery, leaving his status for the first few weeks of the regular season in question, opening a door for James to crack the roster spot, if nothing more than insurance for Taylor.

From the looks of things, head coach Kyle Shanahan has been working to give James opportunities to impress throughout the preseason, featuring him heavily with the starting units in games against the Dallas Cowboys and then in Denver.

This trend continued in Kansas City.

To his credit, James delivered when called upon, catching all four of his targets for 66 yards, including an excellent catch-and-run on an absolute dime from Jimmy Garoppolo to set up the 49ers’ first touchdown.

He showed good hands throughout the game, and an ability to get separation, especially on that long pass mentioned above. That, combined with quickness with the ball in his hand, should likely push him off the bubble and onto the roster.