As a rookie, running back Jordan James was inactive for much of the 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers . The former Oregon Duck was a fifth-round pick, making it a surprise for him to see such little time on the field — but a significant reason for the lack of action was that he was playing behind star Christian McCaffrey , one of the top backs in the NFL. Brian Robinson Jr., a multi-year starter with the Washington Commanders , was brought in before the season to act as his backup.
That left James as the odd man out, though that may not be the case this season. The 49ers let Robinson walk in free agency and didn't sign another running back, leaving James as the early front-runner to claim the No. 2 running back spot this season.
His performance in the NFC Divisional Playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks likely helped his case, as he ran the ball six times for 28 yards and caught a pass for seven yards. He hadn't touched the ball in any game prior, appearing in just three contests during the regular season.
Now, with Robinson gone and the 49ers looking to take the load off of McCaffrey, the former Duck has been tabbed by The Athletic as a 49er poised for a breakout season this fall.
"Starter Christian McCaffrey is coming off a conspicuously heavy workload in 2025, and the 49ers consistently have said they want to give him more rest on game days," Matt Barrows wrote. "... Last year's backup, Brian Robinson Jr., logged a career-low 190 snaps."
But that's set to change in 2026, with offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak looking to operate with a more rotational running back approach.
"When you look around the league and you study great backs and study guys who affect the game like (McCaffrey) does, those guys do come out of the game," Kubiak said last week. "Those guys do get a blow sometimes, and whether it's a drive or a couple plays in a series, it helps those players. Christian knows that, and we've got to do a better job as coaches, we've got to do a better job at times of getting a better rotation."
James has the talent to excel, as he rushed for nearly 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon. Though he played just three seasons for the Ducks , he departed as the 5th-leading rush touchdown scorer with 31.
He wasn't given much of a chance to stretch his legs in 2025, but with Robinson gone and more trust from Kubiak, a strong season as the RB2 to McCaffrey could be in store for James in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Oregon RB Jordan James expected to breakout for 49ers in 2026
