Pierre Garçon is officially questionable going into a road game against the Arizona Cardinals. The San Francisco 49ers starting running back has missed the team's past two contests with a shoulder sprain.
Hyde had the same designation in Week 9 and ultimately didn't play against the New Orleans Saints. The third-year pro out of Ohio State said that his chances of suiting up in Sunday's divisional matchup are improving.
"(I'm) a lot better this week than last week," Hyde said on Thursday. "Today I participated in practice, and things went well. Things are headed in a good direction."
And if things continue to stay on track leading up to Sunday's game?
"There's a good chance I'll be out there," Hyde continued.
The pain in the injured shoulder has been reduced significantly, according to Hyde. The running back hit a sled at full speed on Thursday to test the progress of his shoulder as well. So far, there have been no setbacks.
"I hit the pad hard, like I was running someone over. I need to know, just in case I do play and have to use my shoulder to get some yards. I need to know how it's going to hold up."
Hyde has 429 rushing yards and six touchdowns in six games this season. He wanted to play against the Saints last Sunday but the team medical staff advised that he wait another week and not rush back.
That extra rest has allowed Hyde to regain a full range of motion, something he didn't have this time a week ago.
"That was one thing that was restricting me," Hyde said. "I couldn't do certain movements with my shoulder the way it was. They caused pain. This week, the pain is gone. Things are going in the right direction, and hopefully it stays that way."
If Hyde is unable to go on Sunday, DuJuan Harris is likely to receive his second consecutive start. The veteran running back had arguably his best game as a pro against the Saints, racking up 142 total yards and one touchdown. The score was a 47-yard touchdown reception, which marked Harris' longest career catch and first career touchdown grab.
"He's a guy who just makes plays," Hyde said. "That's a guy you've got to get the ball to. Get him out in open space, and he can make plays and keep the chains going. He's been in, and he's been making plays."
Everyone will find out Hyde's status together on Sunday when the team's announce their inactive players 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
