SANTA CLARA – When asked earlier in the week about his availability for Sunday’s game, 49ers running back Carlos Hyde did not sound like a person who expected to play.
Hyde said he is still experiencing pain in his right shoulder after sustaining an injury to his AC joint in the 49ers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 16. He missed the next week’s game against Tampa Bay before the bye week.
Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (ankle) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (knee) are both out for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium. Hyde is listed as questionable.
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With Hyde not expected to be active the game, the 49ers would likely use a combination of the three healthy running backs on their 53-man roster.
DuJuan Harris saw the most playing time in the 49ers’ 34-17 loss to the Buccaneers. Harris made his season debut after being activated from the practice squad the day before the game. He played 26 of the 49ers’ 70 offensive snaps. Harris gained 39 yards rushing on 11 carries. He also caught two passes for 18 yards.
“I think DuJuan’s earned more opportunity based on how he played,” 49ers offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins said.
Shaun Draughn played 23 snaps against Tampa Bay with Hyde sidelined. Mike Davis, who started, played 21 snaps. Draughn was used more in the passing game, as he carried once for 16 yards and caught a team-high five passes for 37 yards. Davis gained 21 yards on seven carries.
San Francisco 49ers
Hyde leads the 49ers with 429 yards and six touchdowns on 109 carries this season. He has 13 receptions for 66 yards.