Bears (0-1) at 49ers (1-0)
Where/When: Levi’s Stadium / 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spotlight on: RB Carlos Hyde: Running backs coach Tom Rathman has said the 49ers want to manage Frank Gore’s workload, and Hyde is the only other back on the 53-man roster after the release of LaMichael James. The 49ers could test a run defense that allowed the most yards per game (161.4) and most yards per carry (5.3) in the NFL last season and might not be significantly improved; the Bears surrendered 193 rushing yards in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Bills last Sunday. Based on the early returns, Hyde, a nimble 235-pounder, was worth the second-round investment. The rookie had 50 yards, averaged 7.1 yards a carry and scored a touchdown in his NFL debut. Hyde averaged 5.6 yards an attempt in the preseason. Injuries: Bears — WRs Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) are questionable; Marshall didn’t practice during the week and Jeffery returned on a limited basis Friday; two starting OL are out, C Roberto Garza (ankle) and G Matt Slauson (ankle). 49ers — RT Anthony Davis (hamstring) and CB Tramaine Brock (toe) are questionable, but didn’t practice during the week and aren’t expected to play; CB Chris Culliver (concussion, stinger) is questionable, but expected to start.
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With three of their top four WRs hobbled by injuries, the Bears’ offense could feature even more of Matt Forte. The RB had a career-high 1,339 rushing yards last season and ranks third among backs in receptions (349) and receiving yards (3,006) since 2008.
After the turf debacle in the preseason, the 49ers hope the new surface — the third field installed at Levi’s Stadium in less than a month — is the answer. Before the 49ers held a walkthrough practice Saturday at Levi’s, head coach Jim Harbaugh said the reports on the sod were “positive” after K Phil Dawson and P Andy Lee tested it Thursday.
The Bears allowed the 10th-most points (478) in NFL history last year and they kept a dubious streak alive in Week 1: Chicago has allowed at least 20 points in 18 straight games. The 49ers have scored at least 20 points in 12 of their past 14 regular-season games.