Either by coincidence or calculated timing, LaMichael James has made himself a candidate to replace exiled running back Ray Rice on the Baltimore Ravens roster.
NFL.com reported Monday that James asked for and was granted his release from the San Francisco 49ers, hours after a TMZ.com showed Rice punching and knocking out then fiancée Janay Palmer in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino elevator in February.
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According to NFL.com, the Ravens cut Rice shortly after James' release, when they saw the Rice video.
James had two carriers for zero yards in the 49ers' 28-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys during Sunday's season opener. James was relegated to third-string duty behind starter Frank Gore and backup Carlos Hyde.
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Gore had 16 carries for 66 yards, and Hyde had seven carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.
In three seasons, James had just 41 carries for 184 yards with San Francisco. He was a dangerous returner for the team in 2012-2013. James averaged 10.9 yards per punt return in 2013, and in two years as a kickoff returner, he had 26 returns for 738 yards for an average of 28.4 yards per attempt.
The Ravens have an opening in their running-back position after releasing Rice. Justin Forsett is considered the team's No. 1 back with Bernard Pierce as his backup.
James, who is subject to waivers, was schedule to make an affordable $641,718 this season with the 49ers, NFL.com reported. He is due $792,557 in 2015.
If James followed instructions, was coachable and was a good teammate in San Francisco, there is no reason to think he won't end up in Baltimore. Ravens coach John Harbaugh likely would seek out the opinion of his brother, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
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