The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to face a tough defense in the Arizona Cardinals and would like to have a healthy roster going into the game. The 49ers are getting a look at what life is like with Colin Kaepernick, but injuries are hurting the roster. The biggest absence for San Francisco is Carlos Hyde who is expected to miss another game with the foot injury.
Hyde is dealing with a stress fracture in his foot and according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, the running back is not expected to play in Week 12 as he sits out of practice. Hyde has been out since Week 7 and while head coach Jim Tomsula thought the running back could return after Thanksgiving, it has not happened yet. That has put pressure on Blaine Gabbert as Shaun Draughn and Travaris Cadet start in the spot of Hyde. Draughn had 96 yards rushing in his debut while getting slowed down against the Seahawks.
The good news for Gabbert is the return of Anquan Boldin who was a full participant in practice following a hamstring injury. The receiver is currently fighting to be a factor in the rebuilding that will happen in the offseason. With an expiring contract, Boldin noted that he was hopeful to get back next season, but was ultimately unsure what the 49ers will be doing. With Boldin hobbled, players like Vance McDonald and Quinton Patton have stepped up in his spot.
The 49ers are hopeful that Gabbert can pick up where he left off against Seattle. The quarterback came alive a little too late in the loss, but showed signs of maturity and progress which could bode well for San Francisco against the Cardinals. Head coach Jim Tomsula noted that he was very encouraged by what Gabbert showed in the loss.
"I thought Blaine and the poise he showed today was really good," Tomsula said, via the Sacramento Bee. "He used his feet. He used his arm. He got himself out of some things. He kept his eyes downfield and made some plays. I'm not into moral victories, but that was encouraging."
With Kaepernick's time in the Bay Area likely over, the 49ers are trying to figure out where to look for quarterback options. Gabbert has a chance to prove that he can be in the running for the future of the franchise and getting a win over the Arizona Cardinals would certainly help the effort.
