49ers DL Hyder sets career-high for sacks vs. Cardinals

49ers

49ers DL Hyder sets career-high for sacks vs. Cardinals

One beneficiary of the 49ers’ numerous injuries along the defensive line in 2020 has been Kerry Hyder Jr., who began the season expected to be a reserve, but has wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks throughout the season.

With a sack on Kyler Murray during the 49ers’ Week 16 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, Hyder got to 8.5 sacks for the season, setting a new career-high. Hyder’s previous career-best came during his 2016 season with the Detroit Lions, when he recorded eight.

Hyder had started 12 of the 49ers’ 14 games coming into Saturday’s contest, and has been one of the few 49ers to play in every game this season.

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With Nick Bosa expected to be back healthy next year, Hyder might not get quite the same number of snaps with the 49ers in 2021. But after such a strong campaign, it’s hard to imagine the 49ers won’t try and ensure he is in a 49ers uniform next season.

He might have suitors this offseason in free agency however, especially if he continues to make plays over the 49ers’ final two games.