Carlos Hyde 'adapting better' to new system, 'good position' to start Week 1

It was a good first week of practices for Carlos Hyde. He looks – right now – to be in good position as the team’s starting running back. Veteran Tim Hightower is also looking very good. He appears to be the team’s second-best running back.

Hyde looks to be adapting better and better to the 49ers’ run scheme. And he has also placed a lot of emphasis on catching the ball out of the backfield.

Rookie Joe Williams, a fourth-round draft pick who was seen as a serious challenger to Hyde, has gotten off to a slow start and he is still gaining familarity with the system. He also must do a better job of securing the football.

GM John Lynch openly questioned Hyde's fit in Kyle Shanahan's running scheme and then traded up to draft Joe Williams, a Shanahan favorite, so Hyde was on the hot seat entering camp. But it appears that he his doing well while the rookie is struggling, a sign that Hyde is winning the job. Meanwhile, Hightower appears set to be the primary backup to start the season.