The 49ers are heading into Week 11 following momentum from the win over the Atlanta Falcons and a bye week that allowed players to get healthy again. However, not everyone is as healthy as San Francisco would want them to be. The run game is still a major question mark for the 49ers after the team lost Reggie Bush for the season. The biggest need heading into Week 11 is the return of Carlos Hyde, but San Francisco is not certain the running back is ready to play again.
Hyde has been dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and has not played since Oct. 22. According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, Hyde is not certain to play Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks despite having the time off. Hyde has not had the season the 49ers were hoping he would have after they let go of Frank Gore and the injury is only highlighting that. If Hyde cannot play in Week 11, Shaun Draughn says he is ready to play. The 49ers signed the running back after releasing Pierre Thomas following one game with the team. Travaris Cadet could also see playing time after he signed once Thomas was released. Draughn notes that he is ready to take over if need be.
"I'm humbled," Draughn said, via ESPN.com. "I'm grateful, just happy to be back working ... out here with guys that love the game. I like to do it all. If it's a pass they want me to do, I'll catch. If it's a run, I'll do that, too. I want to be the all-around guy. They used me that way and I was happy about it."
The running back had 58 yards rushing against the Atlanta Falcons while also putting up four catches for 96 yards of total offense. He could be a fantasy sleeper against the Seahawks considering the success the Arizona Cardinals had against the team. The 49ers clearly want to have Hyde back behind Blaine Gabbert, but Draughn has the confidence to help maintain the offense.
Another injury to the 49ers is the hamstring issues to Anquan Boldin. The wide receiver ended Week 9 with the injury, but he defended it by saying that it was a one-time issue and he believes that he will be on the field against the Seahawks in order to help the 49ers get another win.
"For me, it's an isolated incident," Boldin said, via the San Jose Mercury News. "I've been durable over my career. I haven't missed a game since (the 2012 regular-season final) and that was because we'd already secured a playoff spot. I'm not worried about my durability or health, at all."
Head coach Jim Tomsula has not guaranteed Gabbert will be getting the starting nod in Week 11, but many assume he is set to be under center. Having a healthy Boldin will certainly help along with a healthy Hyde. Gabbert proved he can get by without either player, but the Seahawks are a better defense than the Falcons so this will be a bigger challenge.