49ers RBs Jacobs, James expected back soon

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Brandon Jacobs balanced himself on crutches walking through the San Francisco 49ers locker room. LaMichael James strolled through with a backpack and a smile.

What at first looked like at least one - if not two - long-term injuries for San Francisco's newest running backs in Saturday's 20-9 preseason loss at the Houston Texans suddenly doesn't seem so bad.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday that Jacobs' left knee could be healthy enough for him to start the regular-season opener at Green Bay on Sept. 9. James, the team's second-round pick out of Oregon, said he's ready to practice already after injuring his left ankle and riding a cart off the field in the fourth quarter at Houston.