LaMichael James (knee) is inactive for Monday night's Week 2 game against the Seahawks. James didn't practice all week and was never expected to be available despite being listed as questionable. The rest of the 49ers inactives are WR Jonathan Baldwin, QB B.J. Daniels, WR Chris Harper, OG Joe Looney, DT Tony Jerod-Eddie, and LB Nathan Stupar.

LaMichael James (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Seahawks. James missed his third consecutive practice Friday and is expected to be ruled out for Week 2. Kendall Hunter will handle all backup duties behind Frank Gore.

LaMichael James (knee) remained absent from 49ers practice Thursday, and is expected to be inactive for Week 2. James isn't ready to return from the sprained MCL he suffered in San Francisco's preseason finale. He's not a threat to Kendall Hunter's No. 2 job.

LaMichael James (knee) did not practice for the 49ers Wednesday. James was optimistic that he'd be able to return this week. It's looking unlikely. James is nursing a sprained MCL he sustained in the preseason finale.

LaMichael James (knee) believes he'll be able to practice Wednesday. James sprained his MCL in the preseason finale. Even if he does end up getting cleared for Week 2, there's a chance he may be a healthy scratch. James wasn't impressive in the preseason. He's no higher than the No. 3 back.

LaMichael James (knee) will be inactive for Sunday's Week 1 game against the Packers. James is nursing an MCL sprain, but he was no lock to dress anyway. The second-year scatback averaged just 2.29 YPC in the preseason and is clearly behind Kendall Hunter. He could even be behind Anthony Dixon. James and A.J. Jenkins (who has been traded) were the Niners' first two picks in the 2012 draft.

CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco suggests second-year RB LaMichael James may be a game-day scratch even when he returns from his MCL sprain. James was scratched when Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter were both healthy in 2012. Per Maiocco, James "struggled with his blocking" and "seemed to go backward" in the preseason, managing 55 yards on 24 carries (2.29 YPC). The 61st overall pick in last year's draft, James is shaping up as a disappointment.

49ers RB LaMichael James has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL. The 49ers have yet to provide a timetable for his return, but it's a multi-week injury that will almost certainly knock James out for the opener. Kendall Hunter was already locked in as Frank Gore's primary handcuff, so it's not a terribly noteworthy development from a fantasy perspective. James will remain off the radar in re-draft leagues upon his return.

49ers RB LaMichael James exited Thursday night's preseason finale with a left knee injury. It's not believed to be serious, but he's done for the night. James remained on the sideline with his knee wrapped in ice. The second-year back rushed two times for minus-four yards before leaving. He finishes an unimpressive preseason with 24 carries for 55 yards (2.29 YPC) and one catch for a three-yard loss. James has been running as the No. 3 back ever since Kendall Hunter (Achilles') was activated off the PUP list on August 10. James isn't on the re-draft radar. Hunter remains Frank Gore's top handcuff.

Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the 49ers expect LaMichael James to be "fine" after Sunday night's elbow injury. "I think LaMichael's fine," Harbaugh assured. "LaMichael's fine. He's going through something with his elbow." James appeared to only bang the elbow. He remains on track to begin the season as the Niners' No. 3 running back.