Dolphins sign RB LaMichael James to active roster

Written by Luis Sung at 1:45 PM EST | Twitter: @FLSportDebater

The Dolphins have been getting banged up recently, as evidenced by the recent loss of left tackle Branden Albert for the rest of the season. The injury woes unfortunately don't stop there. Starting running back Lamar Miller - who up until now had been having a true breakout season - has a hurt shoulder which has left his status for Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills uncertain.

So to add some depth to the running back position, the Dolphins today signed former San Francisco 49ers RB LaMichael James off of the practice squad and onto their active roster.

James, a former second-round pick of the 49ers, was a standout running back back in Oregon, breaking school rushing records and becoming a highly wanted draft prospect by several teams. Since 2012 when he was drafted by the 49ers in the second round,  James has averaged 4.5 yards per rush on 41 carries and has five receptions for 45 yards. 

James also has ability on special teams as a return specialist, but with the emergence of wide receiver Jarvis Landry as a kick returner, the only hope James would have to contribute in that department would be as a punt returner where Landry still struggles.

James wound up on Miami's practice squad after requesting to be released by the 49ers earlier this season, and now he'll have an opportunity to show what he can do on a team that is currently looking for depth at the running back position.

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