After injuring his right knee Friday, 49ers running back Kendall Hunter eventually walked off the practice field without a noticeable limp. The less encouraging sign: Just before he reached the locker room, Hunter punched the air with his right fist… Extra Point:
You can never have too many running backs I suppose? Just at the start of camp, Kendal Hunter has gone down with a torn ACL and will miss the season - or at the very least the bulk of it, with the injury. Hunter was set to defend his second string role against LaMichael James (who has loads of potential, but has spent most of his career digging out from behind the bench - asking for more play time), Marcus Lattimore, who is fighting his way back from a double knee injury, and Carlos Hyde drafted this season. The girth of running backs on the roster was likely going to make the competition intense, and the decisions on the roster spots very difficult. Hunter, in his contract year, just made the 49ers jobs that much easier. I believed Hunter was ripe to be traded based on solid performance and the depth the 49ers have at the position - now he will be placed on the IR, and will likely have to agree to a mediocre contract if he is going to play again for the Niners. Lattimore is currently sitting on the PUP as he is still fighting his injuries, and that leaves Gore, James, and Hyde. Jewel Hampton would likely be the next man up if Lattimore is unable to play this year.