Training camp has just begun around the NFL, but Jordan James is already running into familiar issues in his second season.
The former Oregon Ducks star running back found himself in the trainer's room with another injury after Monday's practice. It was revealed on Wednesday that James suffered fractured ribs in practice and will miss some time, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. That puts his standing on the depth chart as the backup in the San Francisco 49ers' backfield in question.
James didn't see much action as a rookie fifth-round pick because of another injury early in the year. James had a knee injury and a broken finger that required surgery during training camp last season, which forced him to miss early-season games. He only appeared
in three games and didn't receive his first carry until the 49ers' season-ending loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs.
Coming into his second season, the runway was clear for James to be the backup to Christian McCaffrey in the offense. However, the 49ers did draft Indiana running back Kaelon Black in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with James on the sideline to start camp, Black could rise on the depth chart.
There is no clear timetable for James' return at this point. Regardless, it will be another uphill battle for James to claim a role in the offense due to missing time.
James spent three seasons at Oregon, becoming the starter in the Ducks' undefeated 2024 regular season. He rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns that season. Although he played just three seasons for the Ducks, he left Oregon tied for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns in program history with 31 scores.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Former Oregon RB Jordan James to miss time with training camp injury
