Carlos Hyde started the 2015 season in a big fashion, but since then it has been all downhill. Now the running back has been out for the past four games trying to heal a stress fracture in his foot. With Frank Gore gone, Hyde was expected to be the work horse running back, but this injury has prevented that from happening. With San Francisco seemingly out of the playoff picture, is Hyde done for the season?
According to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com, the 49ers are considering shutting Hyde down completely and having him undergo surgery to fix the injury in his foot. The second-year pro is not looking like he will be getting on the field any time soon and at this point with the playoffs not happening, there is no reason to rush his return. Hyde has 470 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this season. He has the talent to be a star for the team, but the 49ers might be wise and keep him off the field to let the injury fully heal.
"Again, that's been, all of that's been on the table since the beginning, O.K.?" coach Jim Tomsula said, via ESPN.com. "So, again, I listen to the doctors and the medical staff on where we need to go with that and what's the best course of action. Right now, we're at day-to-day with Carlos and finding out exactly what that foot's responding to."
In his place, Shaun Draughn has been starting and while he has not been a star on the field, he is doing enough for the 49ers. The running back has 156 yards and no touchdowns in three games as the starter. The 49ers could easily opt to stick with the backup for the remainder of the season. If anything it gives him experience to potentially help the team next season.
While Draughn is trying to take advantage of the opportunity as a starter, so is Vance McDonald. The tight end started the year No.3 on the depth chart, but following the trade of Vernon Davis and the injury to Garrett Celek, McDonald is now the man in charge and finding the endzone. The tight end continues to improve with more time on the field. He has touchdowns in consecutive games while putting up 71 yards against Arizona. According to Blaine Gabbert, he has the trust of the team.
"He's doing a great job," Gabbert said, via ESPN.com. "He's working his tail off and he's playing at an extremely high level right now. Blocking well in the run game, catching the ball, and he had some big plays today."
McDonald is winning over teammates just like Gabbert is. With many NFL sources assuming Colin Kaepernick is done in San Francisco, the jury is still out whether or not Gabbert can hang around. The backup quarterback has not looked terrible in the starting role even though he is just 1-2 on the field. Tomsula and wide receiver Anquan Boldin certainly like what the backup is bringing to the field as his success could determine the future of Kaepernick going forward.
He's playing really well for us right now," Boldin said, via ESPN.com. "He has everybody fighting for him. Everybody is comfortable with him being behind center. Guys are making plays for him, blocking their butts off. Receivers are getting open and catching the ball. We're all behind him."
