SF 49ers: 5 most disappointing players from Week 15 vs. Cowboys

No. 4: SF 49ers Punt Returner Richie James

Richie James as the wide receiver can be pretty exciting, namely when he’s given a chance to make an impact. And to that extent, he did in the wake of fellow wideout Deebo Samuel‘s hamstring injury, picking up 56 yards on four catches during the game.

But as a punt-return specialist, James is not particularly exciting. If anything, he’s a liability.

That was the case in Week 15, too, as James fumbled a return on the Cowboys’ first punt of the game. The loose ball was recovered by Dallas, which capitalized on the early turnover by scoring first on a touchdown a few plays later.

James never had another punt-return attempt for the rest of the game.

San Francisco entered Week 15 with 25 lost turnovers, which ranked second only behind the Denver Broncos’ 30.

With four more turnovers against Dallas, the SF 49ers are climbing in a category where being first isn’t exactly the place where Kyle Shanahan’s squad wants to be in.

And James’ lack of protection on this play didn’t help matters whatsoever.