49ers running back Carlos Hyde said he has an AC joint injury in his shoulder that might keep him out of a second-straight game Sunday against the Saints.

“It’s not nowhere near how it was the first time I hit it,” Hyde said Thursday. “It’s definitely gotten a lot better. I think if I just take it day by day, it will continue to get better.”

Hyde returned to practice this week for the first time since sustaining the injury in the second half of the loss in Buffalo Oct. 16. The former second-round pick had the added luxury of last week’s bye to give the shoulder additional time to heal.

He’s wearing a blue non-contact jersey at practice, where he’s officially listed as a “limited” participant. But he won’t know how his shoulder really feels until he gets back into a game.

“I think more of getting hit on it, and then landing on it. Not just landing on it by myself, but bodies landing on me with the ground, the whole impact. I think that will really be the test of if I’m good to go or not,” said Hyde.

Hyde missed the team’s last game against the Buccaneers, where DuJuan Harris, Mike Davis and Shaun Draughn combined for 76 yards on 19 carries. Colin Kaepernick led the team with 84 yards rushing in the 34-17 loss.

AC joint sprain recovery varies based on severity.

Wouldn't be surprised to see @elguapo @49ers play with medications/protection on shoulder https://t.co/ZpZrbgJTUq — David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) November 3, 2016