The San Francisco 49ers could have an embarrassment of riches in their backfield this coming season. With so much talent in their backfield, it tends to create a mess that will be hard to sift through. The 49ers have their all-time leading rusher on board in Frank Gore for what is likely his last season, followed by the incredibly talented duo of Marcus Lattimore and Carlos Hyde. If that seems like a great trio, add in the talented third down backs of Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James. Any team in the league would dream to have this much depth on their team as we get closer to training camps.
Lattimore is coming off of his “redshirt” season, as he wasn’t on the roster, it doesn’t count against his contract, and let him heal for an extra year from his latest torn ACL. This ultimately leaves Lattimore as a question mark heading into the season, and no one really knows how he’ll perform after his second ACL tear, and not playing football since October of 2012. Will he return to his former glory and play like the first round pick he could’ve been if healthy? Sadly, only time will tell with his one.
Now the third-down backs are much clearer to see, as both have shown immense talent, but it’s likely only one gets a spot on the final roster. Hunter has been used sparingly in his three seasons with the 49ers, averaging just over 87 carries a season, but in those carries he’s flashed his speed and ability. Hunter only has one year left on his contract, so he’ll likely remain on the team for one more year before testing free agency where he’ll look for a team that’ll give him more carries.
This leaves James as the odd-man out. Many assumed James would be moved during the NFL draft, but that didn’t happen, and now James is stuck with the team for the time being. James has been upset about his playing time, and has been vocal about it. Although James has flashed a little, like in the 2012 playoffs, or his time as a returner this last year, he’s likely to be cut heading into the season as the team needs his roster spot, and he’s simply not needed anymore.
The final two backs that are important in this equation, Gore and Hyde, are likely to see most of the carries this coming season. Gore is at the end of his long and successful career, and Hyde will step in and let Gore take it “easy” in his last year (or years).
It’s time for 49ers fans to wave goodbye to Gore and welcome in the young men who will be gaining the hard yards for them for years to come. Much of what happens this year depends on Lattimore’s health, but either way, a very promising young back is in the wings to take over and lead this rushing attack, whether it’s Lattimore, or it’s Hyde, the 49ers backfield is in good hands.