When the 49ers practiced before facing the Cardinals and Seahawks, they utilized their two backup quarterbacks to play the roles of Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson. But Lamar Jackson is a different type of mobile quarterback, currently ninth in the NFL in rushing yards (876) and first in yards per carry (7.1), requiring the 49ers to think outside the pocket to a greater extent.



So this week’s scout team quarterback was none other than Richie James, the shifty second-year receiver who has already handled multiple duties.



“Richie’s helped us out on special teams and on offense this year,” Kyle Shanahan said after Friday’s practice. “He’s played a number of spots for us and I’ve been glad to have him.”



James, the backflipping receiver (as seen above) whose primary role is as the team’s lead returner for both punts and kicks, is listed at 5-foot-9. That’s five inches shorter than Jackson’s...