Mike Davis could get first start as 49ers tailback

Former South Carolina standout Mike Davis could get the call Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting running back.

Regular starter Carlos Hyde is expected to be out with a shoulder injury, and Davis has served as Hyde’s main backup the past two games. Davis had five carries for 13 yards against the Bills but failed to pick up a yard in a short-yardage situation.

The 49ers host Tampa Bay at 4:05 p.m. (Eastern) on Sunday.

Davis said he’s approaching this week in practice and Sunday’s game like he always does: He has something to prove.

“I always have a chip on my shoulder. I go into every game with that mindset,” Davis told the 49ers media this week.

He is averaging 1.8 yards a carry this season; Hyde averages 3.9 yards per run. Shaun Draughn (2.1 yards per carry) has been serving as the third-down back. DuJuan Harris and rookie Kelvin Taylor are on the practice squad.

Davis ran for more than 2,100 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Gamecocks and was a fourth-round pick by the 49ers in 2015.

San Francisco coach Chip Kelly said the the 49ers would rotate Davis, Shaun Draughn and possibly another back if Hyde can’t play.

Davis had 18 carries for 146 yards, including a 72-yard rush, in the preseason. It would be Davis’ first career regular-season start if he is the initial back on the field Sunday.

“I always have to feel confident,” Davis said. “You have to know what you can do out there and know what you’re doing.”