The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with injuries a lot sooner than they were hoping to be. After just one week training camp, the team has lost a few offensive performers for various lengths of time. That could force the 49ers to make some moves either by trades or releases as health status are questioned. The major concern is the running back position as the team appears to only have two healthy backs to start the season.
Right now the only two running backs locked to start the season are Frank Gore and rookie Carlos Hyde. The 49ers have already made it clear that Gore would not have the workload he handled last season and instead would see his carries drop as youth sat behind him ready to perform. However, that depth took a hit in the first weekend of training camp as LaMichael James and Kendrall Hunter went down and some are concerned Marcus Lattimore could be next.
There were reports that Lattimore would be the odd man out this upcoming season. The running back did not play in his rookie after suffering a gruesome injury while in college, but San Francisco has been patient with his recovery. There is still no timetable for when Lattimore will play. He has been doing light work in training camp, but that is it. Originally, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported that Lattimore could be released in the coming weeks, but head coach Jim Harbaugh confirms that is not true.
"Marcus is going to be a part of this team, in some form or fashion," Harbaugh said, via CSNBayArea.com. "I know what he's got inside of him and I know what he's capable of doing on the football field. We all do. We'll continue to do what's best for him and ultimately that'll be what's best for the program."
It appears that right now none of the running backs are going anywhere. However, the 49ers' injuries do not stop there as wide receiver Micheal Crabtree is out with an undisclosed issue. According to Harbaugh, Crabtree is expected to miss two weeks of training camp, but would not say why. The receiver has dealt with Achilles injuries in the past as well as foot injuries so this could be a number of things.
To make matters worse in training camp, Anquan Boldin was kicked out of practice after he took a swing at a teammate during on-the-field scuffle. CSNBayArea.com reported the wide receiver was told to leave and it is unclear what Harbaugh has planned for him.
