Before the final N.F.L. game of Week 1, there was certainly an expectation that a running back might have a big game.
Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was resuming a stellar career after almost a year off because of a suspension over accusations of child abuse. Peterson was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in fantasy football this year, and those who drafted him expected their choice to start paying off immediately.
Hyde ran for only 333 yards in his rookie season. As a sophomore, his role was expected to increase, but he was still seen as a middle-of-the-pack back, with many Niners fans more interested in the free-agent signing Reggie Bush.