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San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde looks strong and healthy in return from injury

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) rushes for a gain against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Levi
Oct 18, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) rushes for a gain against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Levi /
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Despite coming off of a significant foot injury, San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde reportedly looks great in OTAs.

The San Francisco 49ers struggled to move the ball down the stretch last season, and a lack of running back Carlos Hyde in the line-up was likely a huge reason why. That being said, Hyde appears healthy and ready to go for this year, and is impressing his new coaches.

“I’ve only seen one Carlos Hyde, and the Carlos Hyde I know has been healthy and full go,” new 49ers head coach Chip Kelly said, according to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News.

Hyde was the 49ers’ primary running back last season, but his first year of being “the guy” was cut short with a broken left foot. Hyde was able to start the first seven games of the 49ers’ season, but the broken foot caused him to miss the rest of the season.

While last season was a wash, Hyde is still an extremely talented player who has legitimate NFL skill. Plus Kelly’s offensive system clearly appeals to the running back position. If he can stay healthy, Hyde will thrive under Kelly in San Francisco.

“Our style and scheme adapts to whoever it is,” Kelly said, “but (Hyde) certainly has the skill-set to be an outstanding running back at this level, because he can do everything.”

Hyde is a talented running back who shows an impressive mix of power and speed with the ball in his hands, but even before the injury, he was not at productive as the 49ers would have liked.

In his seven games last season, Hyde rushed for only 470 yards (4.1 YPC average) and three touchdowns. Did the nagging injury have something to do with his performance? Perhaps, but Hyde must improve his production on the field regardless.

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These early reports are certainly encouraging, and Kelly’s high-octane offense could drastically help turn Hyde’s NFL career around. He is certainly a guy to watch as training camp nears, because Hyde has the skills to be a top-notch NFL running back.

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