San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde has missed five straight games with a stress fracture in his left foot, and it seems like the 49ers' lead back may be done for the 2015 season. "Honestly, I don't know if Carlos will play this year or not," head coach Jim Tomsula said, via the San Jose Mercury News.
Hyde reportedly suffered the small fracture in his foot against the New York Giants in a week five loss, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. He continued to play in the 49ers' next two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks but was clearly ineffective running with a fracture in his foot.
San Francisco's top running back has rushed for 470 yards this season and scored three touchdowns. Hyde exploded in week one against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, rushing for 168 yards and scoring two touchdowns. The former second round draft pick was expected to have a big year, but injuries have clearly decimated San Francisco's backfield.
The 49ers have already lost running back Reggie Bush with a torn MCL, and now it seems likely that Hyde may sit the rest of the season. Shaun Draughn has stepped into the lead running back role, and was an impact player in this weekend's win over the Chicago Bears. Draughn rushed for 36 yards and a touchdown, and was a dual threat out of the backfield. Against Chicago, Draughn caught five passes for 50 yards, and he looks to be San Francisco's lead back down the stretch of this season.
Tomsula was asked if Hyde was better served to rest the remainder of the 2015 season, and to have a fresh start fully healed next year. "I'm going to stay out of those conversations," Tomsula responded, via the San Jose Mercury News. "We'll see where he ends up. Whatever's best for Carlos." The 49ers are 4-8 on the season, and it's reasonable to think that San Francisco may play it safe with their star running back, as there is likely no chance they make the postseason this year.
