Former Niners RB James finds home with Dolphins

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James (23) celebrates his touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /

LaMichael James, who was released by the 49ers after week one of the regular season, signed with the Dolphins on Tuesday, per a Twitter announcement from his agent, Jeff Sperbeck.

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A second round pick of San Francisco in 2012, James managed just 41 carries with the 49ers, yet was an effective return specialist, as he averaged 28.4 yards on 26 kickoff returns. The drafting of Marcus Lattimore in 2013 and the selection of Carlos Hyde in this past May’s draft left James scratching for touches. He failed to gain a yard on two rushing attempts during San Francisco’s season-opening win at Dallas.

The Dolphins, who have yet to formally announce the signing, are in their bye week, which will give them an opportunity to fit James into their plans. Lamar Miller has been the lead back since Knowshon Moreno was sidelined with an elbow injury, yet will likely have to revert back to a timeshare with Moreno, who is expected back by the end of October. Miller has taken the bulk of the running duties for the 2-2 Dolphins, having carried the ball 49 of the team’s 103 rushing attempts thus far.

James’ best chance to contribute to the Dolphins will likely come as a punt returner, as Jarvis Landry has averaged a paltry 5.7 yards per return.

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