The San Francisco 49ers are looking to trade starting running back Carlos Hyde, the team’s leading rusher so far this season with 332 ground yards. Benjamin Allbright of Mile High Sports Radio reported that the 49ers have "received and made calls" about Hyde, their second-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. In his three-plus seasons with the 49ers, Hyde has rushed 2,123 yards on 488 carries with 15 touchdowns in 39 games. Hyde has shown his versatility, catching 68 passes for 379 yards and three scores for the 49ers, who currently have a 0-5 mark.
While Hyde leads the 49ers in rushing yards, the 49ers relied on backup Matt Breida in their 26-23 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Breida ran the ball 10 times for 49 yards while Hyde tallied just 11 yards on eight carries. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will ride on Breida's momentum but Hyde will remain as starting rusher. The New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens could pursue Hyde over the next few weeks. Teams have until Oct. 31 to make a trade.
49ers release veteran linebacker
The report surfaced days after the 49ers decided to part ways with long-time linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who asked for his release Thursday after an eight-year tenure with the squad.
The 29-year-old Bowman was a third-round pick by the 49ers in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played five games this recording 38 total tackles, bringing his total to 808 tackles during his stint with the 49ers. Bowman, who also had 12.5 sacks and four interceptions, was selected to the First-Team All-Pro four times during his eight seasons with the 49ers.
Earlier, 49ers general manager John Lynch thanked Bowman for giving his all to the team and wished the linebacker and his family well.
49ers promote tight end to 53-man roster
The 49ers announced that tight end Cole Hikutini has been promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster following the release of Bowman, per James Brady of Niners Nation.
Hikutini made it to the practice squad after he was cut in the preseason. The 49ers signed Hikutini as an undrafted free agent in May 2017 but waived him in September as part of roster cuts. He was later added to the practice squad. Hikutini played college ball at Louisville, tallying 69 receptions for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 24 games, with 13 starts. Rookie tight end George Kittle leads the 49ers with 17 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown.