49ers roster: 4 players who now find themselves on the bubble

49ers Bubble-Watch Player No. 2: Wide Receiver Richie James

After his breakout performance against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football last year, the chorus of cries for wide receiver Richie James to be more involved in the offense was as loud as they possibly could be.

And with the 49ers’ competition for the No. 3 wide receiver spot on the depth chart wide open entering training camp, James was one of the favorites to secure this role.

At worst, James was going to be a WR4 or WR5 on the depth chart, his value increased by his abilities as a returner on special teams.

All that’s changing during camp, though.

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On a seemingly regular and unfortunate basis, James has been plagued by drops throughout camp, which has resulted in him working no higher than the second-string unit while he’s been forced to watch other receivers, namely Trent Sherfield and Mohamed Sanu, separate themselves for that coveted tertiary role at the position on the roster.

Sherfield, Sanu, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are effectively all guaranteed roster spots, while second-year pro Jauan Jennings looks good, too.

If there’s only one spot remaining, it’s very likely the Niners go with someone like Travis Benjamin over James for a sixth and final spot.