Former Duck Jordan James named breakout candidate for 49ers in 2026

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."