For a team in desperate need of it, the 49ers finally received some good news on Wednesday.
Running back Carlos Hyde has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is on pace to play in Monday’s home opener against the Los Angeles Rams, as first reported by CSNBayArea’s Matt Maiocco. Hyde exited the 49ers’ third preseason game on Aug. 26 against Green Bay, and has been listed as questionable to open the season up until today.
After sitting out all of last week’s practices, Hyde was still limited in practice on Wednesday, wearing a blue non-contact jersey and participating in hand off and pass catching drills. In order to stay on track for Monday’s debut, the next step for Hyde will be to participate in a practice without contact restriction.
Hyde, 24, was limited to only seven games in his second season last year, after sustaining a foot fracture. Hyde showed flashes of brilliance in 2015, and is projected to have a breakout season in 2016 if he can stay on the field.
Shaun Draughn, currently listed as the 49ers second string running back on the team’s unofficial depth chart, is also on the road to recovery after sustaining a rib injury in practice a couple weeks ago, and sitting out most of the preseason. Draughn was cleared for contact on Wednesday, so should Hyde experience another hiccup, the 49ers will at least have Draughn available for Los Angeles.
Mike Davis, who averaged 7.8 yards per carry in the preseason, is currently listed as the team’s third string runner.