The average age of an NFL running back is about 25. Frank Gore is well beyond that.

At 31, the 49ers workhorse doesnâ€™t appear to be slowing. Still, neither he nor the Niners can deny the inevitable: The older they get, the faster they fall. That's why Carlos Hydeâ€™s debut in Thursday nightâ€™s exhibition game against the Ravens canâ€™t be overlooked.

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In an age in which running backs are devalued, the 49ers still rely heavily on the ground game. Hyde was the 57th player taken in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was the third running back drafted. Yet, he could be critical for the 49ers in the NFC West, the toughest division in football.

At 6-0 and 230 pounds, heâ€™s a load, but on the opening drive Thursday, Hyde showed speed around the edge, was comfortable getting the ball out of the shotgun, and showed burst up the middle. His first series was telling: 34 yards on three carries, including one for a 19-yard pickup after a nice block from fullback Bruce Miller, and another for an 8-yard gain. He finished with five carries for 39 yards.

The 49ers, on the surface, are lacking depth at the position. Kendall Hunter was waived, LaMichael James is out with an elbow injury and Marcus Lattimore continues to struggle returning to form after a devastating knee injury suffered as a junior at South Carolina. That essentially leaves Gore and Hyde. Jewel Hampton saw time Thursday behind Hyde, who started.

Gore rushed for 1,128 yards last season, with only eight other backs gaining more. The 49ers are hardly panicked with such a solid No. 1 who hasn't yet shown signs of deterioration. But looking long term, theyâ€™d be wise to groom Hyde to take over.

They were just a few first-half snaps, five carries early in an exhibition game, but Hyde appears to be on his way.