LaMichael James simply wants to play. The San Francisco 49ers running back has not done much of that since getting drafted after a successful college career at Oregon. He struggled buried at the bottom of a crowded roster and this year is no different. The 49ers opted to draft a rookie to add into the mix, making things even tough for James. After holding out through the first round of voluntary workouts, James is expressing his frustrations once again.
James had been stuck behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. Now he is sitting behind those two plus a healthy Marcus Lattimore and newly acquired Carlos Hyde. He has just 39 carries after two seasons removed from being a Heisman candidate. He played just 28 offensive snaps last season and while looking like the future backup of Gore is now fighting for time once again. General manager Trent Baalke claimed James missed workouts to be with his newborn child, but the running back admits he was simply frustrated.
"I was going to take time to be with my kid. I think that's important, and that's something I wanted to do," James said, via CSN Bay Area. " But did it (frustration) play a part? Yeah, it did. If I said I wasn't frustrated, you know, I'd be lying to you. And I'm not going to lie. t's nothing against our running backs. I think Frank's the best, and I think Kendall is super-good, too. It's nothing against them. But with that being said, am I supposed to be happy just returning kicks and catching punts? No, not really. I'm a competitor. I want to go out and compete. Whatever it is, catching some passes, whatever. I want to play running back, too. I feel I can do it at the highest level. That's the only thing that frustrates me."
Unless James gets his wish for a trade, he is in for another frustrating year. The 49ers drafted Hyde early and like what they see from him. Lattimore is healthy and could see time as a return man. James will be the odd man out. So where could he go for more playing time?
The Denver Broncos could be an option. Right now, pressure is on Montee Ball to perform and while early reports say he is stepping up to the challenge, if the running back struggles then the Broncos do not have much behind him. The Miami Dolphins could be an option. Right now, Lamar Miller is the starter after Knowshon Moreno reported out of shape to camp. IF the veteran continues to struggle, James would be needed.
