Since arriving in San Francisco, Carlos Hyde has done nothing but impress. The former Ohio State standout, was drafted to be the future of the run game for the 49ers and is living up to the expectations through two weeks of training camp. The 49ers were already planning on making the rookie running back a big piece of the offensive plan, but could Hyde actually be seeing time as a starter rather than a backup?
Frank Gore has been the face of the 49ers run game since being drafted in 2005. There has never been a question as to who the starter would be mainly because has yet to show any signs of slowing down. In his NFL career, he has put up over 1,000 yards rushing every year but two and is coming off a 1,128 yard, nine touchdown season in 2013. However, could Hyde be prepped to take his spot sooner than later?
According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Hyde is lining up with the first-team offense more times than not. With injuries to both Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James, Hyde's improvement is crucial for the 49ers and his quick development has the coaches impressed. He certainly looked the part of a starter in the team's first preseason game. He was the starter, rushing for 39 yards on five carries. He avoided tackles well and showed good patience in the pocket.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to refer to Hyde as the backup, but wants to use him a lot in order to take the burden off Gore. However, that increased playing time has left many to believe that maybe Hyde is better suited for a starting role. While fans can guarantee that come Week 1, Gore will take his rightful spot behind Colin Kaepernick on the first play, it might not stick through the season.
Hyde becomes even more crucial to the offense as Marcus Lattimore's future remains unknown. The running back has still yet to fully participate in a practice with the 49ers. Lattimore continues to try and bounce back from a gruesome leg injury suffered in college, but recovery is taking much longer than the 49ers possibly expected. Maiocco continues his report starting there is no timetable for the running back's return. Harbaugh has already stressed that Lattimore will remain on the roster no matter what, but fans should not expect to see him take the field.
