The San Francisco 49ers have gone from having too many running backs on the roster to now possibly not having enough. The team originally entered training camp with six running backs, likely having to release or trade at least two of them, to now having just two healthy players on the roster. The 49ers suffered to crucial blows to the offensive plan over the weekend as Kendall Hunter was lost for the season and LaMichael James was lost for at least a month if not more. So what does this mean for the remaining running backs in San Francisco?
On Friday, Hunter tore his ACL and was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season. Hunter has proven to be an excellent depth player, often stepping in for Frank Gore during the year. He was entering a contract season, hoping to impress enough to get picked up next season either by San Francisco or someone else in free agency.
The next day, James went down with a dislocated elbow and ESPN reports he will miss all of the preseason if not more. James was running a blitz pick-up drill and had to be carted off the field after getting injured. This is not the first time James has suffered the injury. He dislocated his elbow while playing at Oregon and was forced to miss 23 days.
All of these injuries are not helping James' status with the team. Prior to training camp, James was very vocal about wanting out of San Francisco and onto a roster that would use him more. After being a second-round draft pick in 2012, James has just 184 yards and 39 carries to his name after ending an impressive college career with a Heisman nomination. Prior to the injury, head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed his confidence in the running back.
"As far as LaMichael James, we have complete and total confidence in LaMichael James, and I don't see anything in terms of stepping up or proving anything on his part," Harbaugh said, via ESPN.com. "We know him to be a very fine football player. I think if you look at where he was at last year at this time in training camp, he got an MCL injury that kept him out of action for quite a while and affected where he was on the depth chart. And then, eventually, he got his chance."
The injuries mean there is pressure on Marcus Lattimore to get healthy fast. There were reports that the 49ers could release the running back who is still recovering for a severe college injury. Lattimroe has been attempting to come back, but has yet to fully participate in a practice. There is also pressure on rookie Carlos Hyde to step up. The 49ers have been impressed with what they have seen out of the rookie so far in team practices, enough to say that he will have an increased role alongside Gore. If Lattimore cannot get healthy, expect the 49ers to make a move to replace him.