Running back LaMichael James will get back on an active roster for the first time since being cut by the 49ers in September, according to agent Jeff Sperbeck, who tweets that the Dolphins are promoting his client to their 53-man roster. Having previously been on Miami’s practice squad, James will take the roster spot vacated by tackle Branden Albert, who is headed to injured reserve with a season-ending knee injury.
James, 25, entered the league in 2012 as a second-round pick by the 49ers. Despite his draft pedigree, the Oregon product was never able to produce in San Francisco, and was virtually buried behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter on the team’s depth chart. James played in just 14 games during his first two seasons, contributing mostly on special teams — he racked up only 39 rush attempts and five receptions during that span. When he found himself behind Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde on the Niners’ depth chart this year, James requested and was granted his release.
By promoting James, the Dolphins will have four running backs on their active roster, with Lamar Miller, Daniel Thomas, and Damien Williams already on board. If the club doesn’t make any other changes to its 53-man roster this week, I’d expect to see an offensive lineman added to the practice squad to take James’ spot.