With Frank Gore off to the Indianapolis Colts, the starting running back position is up for grabs with the San Francisco 49ers. The team has Carlos Hyde returning for his second season in the league while adding Reggie Bush and getting a healthy Kendall Hunter back on the field. After starting his training camp stint with an injury, Hyde is making it clear he intends to be at the top of the depth chart for Week 1.
Hyde is healthy after suffering a leg strain that kept him out of the start of training camp. According to the San Mercury News, Hyde is expected to be the starter in the backfield this season after putting up 333 yards last season behind Gore. Now at the front of the depth chart, Hyde said his focus is gaining chemistry with the offensive line and learning the new playbook.
"Right now I'm just really focused on getting a good chemistry with the offensive line," Hyde said, via the San Mercury News. "We'll try to build it so we can go into that season so I know exactly how guys are and I can catch a rhythm and get going. When I got the opportunity to catch a ball, I made it happen. Here, things are different, and now I have more opportunity to get out and be a receiver."
The real battle at the running back position is for the backup role. Bush is expected to be a hybrid player if he can have a return to form year. The running back is coming off a tough stint with the Detroit Lions, so there are uncertain expectations for his output. Hunter is the same way as he makes his way back from injury. The real star in the making could be rookie Mike Davis who came out of South Carolina. At 5'9" and 223 pounds, he stands a good shot of making the final roster.
The other remaining storylines for the 49ers are the future of both Vernon Davis and Colin Kaepernick. Davis is entering the final year of his contract and the veteran made it clear he does not worship money and will not put up a stink about not receiving an extension. Trade rumors for Davis were quickly silenced, but whether or not he gets a new contract remains to be seen.
Davis will be critical to the improvement of Kaepernick who needs to have a big season in order to quiet trade talk around him. According to a number of the San Francisco defenders, the quarterback is looking improved and stronger heading into the new season.
"I'm very optimistic about the season Colin will have this year," Eric Reid said, via NFL.com. "He's been throwing the ball very well through the offseason program. A couple balls, I was like, 'Man, that was a good throw.' He's definitely been putting in the work and it shows. I'm excited."