49ers' Joe Williams: To challenge for first-string duties

Williams figures to challenge Carlos Hyde for the 49ers' starting running back job this season, Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports.

Williams was drafted in the fourth round to bolster San Francisco's backfield, where Hyde has reigned as the team's unquestioned top option in recent seasons. Of course, that's only when Hyde has been healthy, which has been an issue over the last three years. Entering this campaign, the veteran is reportedly in fantastic shape, yet his knee injury from last season figures to allow Williams ample opportunities to carve out a role. With Tim Hightower and Kapri Bibbs also around, the rookie tailback is part of a suddenly stocked San Francisco group where touches will need to be earned.