Carlos Hyde Injury: Updates on 49ers RB's Ankle and Return

Matt FitzgeraldDec 19, 2014

San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde will not play Saturday against the San Diego Chargers due to an ankle injury.

Continue for updates.

Hyde Out vs. Cardinals

Hyde Inactive vs. Chargers

Saturday, Dec. 20

The 49ers announced their inactive players for Saturday's game:

Hyde Out vs. Chargers With Ankle Injury

Friday, Dec. 19

Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee had the news:

Since being selected No. 57 overall in the 2014 NFL draft, Hyde has been tabbed to contribute to the backfield in a supporting role behind veteran Frank Gore.

The former Ohio State star is a big, physical runner with enough speed and agility to make him even more difficult to bring down in the open field.

Gore has been tough as nails and durable throughout his NFL career, though, so he hasn't conceded the feature role to Hyde just yet. However, when Gore left Week 15's loss to Seattle with a concussion, Hyde was hurt, too, suffering a knee injury.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area weighed in on the thin depth behind Gore and Hyde:

Getting downhill in a hurry and delivering the blow at the point of attack is something San Francisco's power-rushing attack is predicated on. It is also an ideal scheme for Hyde to thrive in for years to come.

Hyde's absence is a significant blow if he winds up sidelined for more than just this week's game. Gore has run for over 1,000 yards in seven of his nine prior NFL seasons, but he's 31 years old, suggesting his career may enter a decline soon.

It's up to Hyde to take up the mantle as the Niners' No. 1 back, so they will hope to have him return soon. Until then, Alfonso Smith will be charged with picking up the slack, which will prove difficult since he isn't a traditional power back that fits the prototype in San Francisco's scheme.