49ers' LaMichael James rushes well in NFL debut

49ers rookie running back LaMichael James provided a solid change-of-pace role in his NFL debut Sunday, compiling 30 yards on eight rushes in San Francisco's 27-13 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

James, who also had a 15-yard catch and three kick returns for 79 yards, was clearly second in the pecking order as he received only four less carries than Frank Gore. The former Oregon Duck also played much the same role that Kendall Hunter had before his Achilles injury, with head coach Jim Harbaugh giving him his fair share of opportunities in space.

As a whole, the Niners performed quite well against a Dolphins team that entered the game allowing the eighth lowest total of rushing yards per contest. James' 30 rushing yards was the third highest total on the team behind Gore's 63 and Colin Kaepernick's 53.

Although James' numbers weren't exactly eye-popping, his production was likely enough to keep Brandon Jacobs as the odd man out for the foreseeable future. Jacobs only has five carries for seven yards throughout his first season with the Niners and has only been active for two games this year.