CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco believes 2012 second-round pick LaMichael James "certainly does not appear to be a good fit with the 49ers." Maiocco cites James' misfit for San Francisco's power running scheme, and notes that the Niners believe James lacks "the kind of blazing speed to succeed as solely an outside runner." On Friday, James tweeted, "I'd rather they just let me go," which he later confirmed was in reference to the 49ers. We're not sure James would fit any offensive scheme, quite frankly. He lacks lateral agility and runs with no power. He's a return specialist at best in the NFL.

LaMichael James rushed once for no gain in San Francisco's NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks. James also muffed a punt, injuring his neck in the process. He stayed in the game, however. The No. 61 pick of the 2012 draft heads into the offseason with all of 39 career carries, and Marcus Lattimore joining the 49ers' backfield fray in 2014. At best, James will open next season No. 3 on the depth chart. James had game-breaking talent in college, but the 49ers clearly aren't convinced it will ever translate to the NFL level outside of special teams. James is not a particularly compelling Dynasty-league option.

LaMichael James did not touch the football for the second straight playoff game as the 49ers beat the Panthers in the Divisional Round. James continues to be a non-factor on offense, and the 49ers didn't get any punt or kick return opportunities in this one. He's behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter at tailback.

LaMichael James didn't have an offensive touch in San Francisco's Wild Card playoff win over the Packers. James returned kickoffs and punts, but was not involved on offense and continues to be a disappointment through two seasons as a 2012 second-round pick. He's firmly behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter on the depth chart.

LaMichael James expects to be the 49ers' punt and kick returner this week against the Panthers. Coach Jim Harbaugh has expressed a desire to get James on the field. After Kyle Williams struggled on returns against the Jaguars, it appears James is going to get an opportunity. He's touched the ball just seven times on offense.

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh wants to get RB LaMichael James re-involved on offense. "We want to get that going," Harbaugh said. "He's too good of a player not to be playing." James has been a healthy scratch each of the past three weeks, and expressed public displeasure at his role. The No. 61 overall pick of last year's draft, James has just 34 career carries. It sounds like James will be active when the 49ers come off their Week 9 bye, but he won't have more than a bit role on offense. That's if he has one at all.

49ers GM Trent Baalke says the team is not interested in trading frustrated RB LaMichael James. "We're not interested in trading LaMichael," Baalke said. "LaMichael's a key player." Baalke went on to say that there will be a time when the team needs to call on James. He's been a healthy inactive the past two weeks.

49ers declared RB LaMichael James, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, WR Quinton Patton, WR/TE Chris Harper, OLB Jermaine Cunningham, and G Joe Looney inactive for Week 6 against the Cardinals. James is back to being a healthy scratch. Asomugha joins James in that category as he's been passed on the depth chart by Tramaine Brock. Patton is still battling a foot injury. McBLT is the No. 3 quarterback.

LaMichael James expressed frustration with his role via Twitter Tuesday. James has recorded three rushes for zero yards all season. "Some things I just don't understand at all I don't work at State Farm I'm not trying to be insurance," read the tweet which has since been deleted. James better get used to it. He's well behind impressive Kendall Hunter for the backup job.

LaMichael James (knee) returned to 49ers practice Thursday. It puts James on track for Sunday, but it's not outside the realm of possibility he ends up a healthy scratch. James is currently without a role in San Francisco.