Homestretch Hot Seat
Time is running out for several 49ers veterans. Some of them just don’t know it yet. With the team in full rebuilding mode, there is sure to be another roster overhaul and influx of fresh talent joining the team in 2018, just as there was after general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan took control of the operation in 2017. That will leave several veterans with plenty to play for down the homestretch of this season — in particular, their jobs with San Francisco. Here, The Niner Report takes a look at 11 key 49ers veterans who will be under the microscope down to the finish of the season. These are individuals that could be playing down the homestretch for their futures in San Francisco — and in some cases, even their NFL careers — and we analyze the reasons that is so with each particular player.
Carlos Hyde
Yes, everybody will be watching as Hyde barrels to the finish line of the 2017 season, bouncing off defenders with his aggressive rushing style. Hyde — who entered San Francisco’s final three games with 771 yards rushing and a team-leading 52 receptions — has proven he can fit in with the demands of Shanahan’s offensive system while also becoming a viable weapon in it. During his quest down the stretch for his first career 1,000-yard rushing season, Hyde can only continue to do what he’s done most of the season — play hard and produce. But with free agency on the horizon, Hyde likely is the impending 49ers free agent who will demand the highest price tag on the open market. Before they make that kind of financial commitment to Hyde and make him the future at running back, the 49ers will want to take an extended look down to the final snap of the season.
Tank Carradine
This story is from the January 2018 edition of Niner Report.
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This story is from the January 2018 edition of Niner Report.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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