Fantasy Fallout: With Carlos Hyde out, don't bother seeking 49er alternatives

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Here are the fantasy ramifications of San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde likely sitting out Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a shoulder injury:

Same old story for Hyde owners

No one has ever doubted Hyde's ability; when healthy, he's one of the top running backs in the league, capable of carrying fantasy teams on his ample shoulders. But staying on the field hasn't exactly been one of his strong suits - and with his arm in a sling through the first two days of practice, there's a good chance he'll miss at least this week - and possibly longer.

Hyde owners don't have much recourse here; you have to hang onto him, since his absence might be a short one. And at the very least, head coach Chip Kelly all but ruling him out on a Wednesday gives you plenty of time to look for a replacement running back in time for Sunday. Hopefully you have talented players in reserve, or are savvy working the waiver wire.

It wouldn't be the worst idea to make a play for Hyde if you sense his owner sees this injury as a sign of things to come and looks to unload him. You shouldn't pay 100 cents on the dollar - his injury reputation is a checkered one - but you might be able to land him at a discount if you're willing to absorb his Week 7 absence. If it's a long-term injury, however, you should steer clear.

Backup plan: None of the above

Kelly told reporters he would likely go with a committee approach at running back against Tampa Bay if Hyde sits out. Though it's impossible to know how the touches will play out, owners should expect one of two things to happen: Either Mike Davis will see early-down work with Shaun Draughn the passing-down option, or the two will swap series until a hot hand emerges.

Regardless of how things play out, neither player is a particularly favorable fantasy option in any but the deepest of season-long leagues. If you're truly in a bind, or you're looking for a daily fantasy punt at the running back position, Draughn is the better play; the Buccaneers' run defense has been sound so far this season while the pass defense has struggled.

Colin Kaepernick should be busy

With the team's only credible rushing threat on the sidelines Sunday, expect Kelly and the 49ers to look at exploiting the Tampa Bay secondary. That means great things for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who showed rust last week in his first start of the season but flashed plenty of potential as well, both with his arm and his legs.

Kaepernick is worth streaming consideration this week, as he can do damage a number of ways and has home-field advantage working in his favor. While it may be risky to home in on any one target in the passing game, Kaepnerick should see enough pass attempts - combined with rushes - to enter the QB2 conversation when all is said and done.