There are few positives the 49ers can take out of this horrible season, but running back Carlos Hyde is one.
In his third season with the 49ers, the former Ohio State standout is having his best year by far. With two games to go, Hyde is just 50 yards from his first 1,000-yard rushing season. He’s set career highs for yards rushing (950), carries (204), yards per carry (4.7) and rushing touchdowns (6). He also has career highs in catches (24), yards receiving (139) and TD catches (2).
As the 49ers prepare to enter what should be a busy offseason of change, Hyde is one of the few players on the roster who can be counted on as a long-term building block.
Head coach Chip Kelly says Hyde has been a terrific, all-around player who now is comfortable in Kelly’s spread offense.
“I just think he’s gotten better over time,” Kelly told reporters this week. “(He’s) a very talented player. The more reps he gets at it, the more he sees it, the more comfortable he feels with it.”
While no 49ers were selected for the Pro Bowl, Hyde was one of two players (tackle Joe Staley being the other) selected as a second alternate. With players dropping out because of injuries or Super Bowl commitments, it’s possible Hyde will eventually play in the game.
After playing just seven games because of injury in 2015 – after a terrific start – Hyde came back strong in 2016, beginning with the opening-game victory over the Rams in which he carried 23 times for 88 yards and two TDs, along with two catches. Over the past three games, he’s rushed for 92, 193 and 71 yards.
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He and the 1-13 49ers get a rematch Saturday in Los Angeles against the 4-10 Rams, and Hyde again figures to get plenty of carries and is eager to crack the 1,000-yard barrier. Hyde says his goal is to help his team win its final two games and at least finish the season on an upbeat note.
“You just try to stay positive,” Hyde said. “Come back to work, ready to prepare for the next opponent and you try to put the losses behind you. … Things will turn around definitely if we just keep fighting.”
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 1:25 p.m.
