LaMichael James plays 15 snaps in 49ers debut

San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James made his season debut on Sunday as he played 15 snaps in the team's 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins.

James had eight carries for 30 yards and one reception for 15 yards in limited playing time for the 49ers.

San Francisco starter Frank Gore told Matt Maiocco of CSNYBayArea that the offensive coordinator put James in a great situation while keeping him "fresh" throughout the game.

Gore leads the 49ers with 211 carries for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Gore also has 23 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown through the air this year.

Kendall Hunter started the season sharing the load with Gore. He has 72 carries for 371 yards and two touchdowns this year, but he will miss the remainder of the season with an Achilles injury.

The 49ers drafted James in the second round of the 2012 draft out of Oregon.