James is one of the primary candidates to compete for the 49ers' starting slot receiver role during training camp, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
James was considered an early favorite for the job after the team lost a couple of proven options at the position this past offseason. That said, veteran Mohamed Sanu has taken an early lead in the competition, according to Barrows, as his experience in previous Shanahan regimes has led to an easy transition with his new club. James also suffered a couple of ugly drops during the team's first organized practice, but he shook off the rust with a strong showing Saturday. Even if the speedy wideout doesn't win the job, he's all but a lock to make the active roster in some capacity.