49ers RB Kendall Hunter (Achilles) has resumed cutting at OTAs.

Hunter will be a full eight months removed from his torn left Achilles tendon when the 49ers hit training camp at the end of July. Running backs have a longer recovery period than other positions because of their need to cut. It's a positive sign that Hunter's been able to do so nearly two months before camp opens.

Kendall Hunter (Achilles') has been limited to individual drills at OTAs.

Hunter tore his left Achilles' tendon during Week 12 last season. His goal is to be ready for training camp and serve as Frank Gore's backup coming Opening Day, but that's far from a sure thing. Hunter will have to prove he's regained his burst and agility to stay ahead of LaMichael James.

Kendall Hunter (Achilles surgery) still expects to be a full go for training camp.

Hunter, who blew out his left Achilles' tendon on Nov. 25, recently resumed sprint work. He won't participate in OTAs or minicamps, but claims he's on track to battle for reps behind Frank Gore come August. Still, it would be an awfully quick recovery for Hunter. Note that Mikel Leshoure's rehab from the same injury lasted roughly 13 months.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Kendall Hunter's Achilles' rehab is "ahead of schedule" and he will be ready when training camp opens.

He's already resumed running. Hunter, 24, tore his left Achilles' on November 25 and will be eight months removed from the injury when camp begins. On 184 career carries, Hunter has averaged 4.59 yards per pop and scored four touchdowns. Also an asset in the passing game, Hunter should open the season ahead of LaMichael James and right behind Frank Gore if he maintains full health.

CSN Bay Area continues to insist that Kendall Hunter (Achilles) is expected to be ready for training camp.

If Hunter really is back by August, he'll be competing for backup duties with LaMichael James. It's still hard for us to see it. It usually takes running backs at least a year to return to 100 percent following an Achilles' tear and Hunter sustained his rupture in late November.

Beat writer Matt Maiocco believes that a healthy Kendall Hunter (Achilles) is ahead of LaMichael James on the depth chart.

Kendall Hunter (torn Achilles') shed his walking boot two days ago, but has no timetable to receive medical clearance.

Hunter tore the Achilles' tendon on November 25 and obviously won't be available for the Super Bowl. He's probably going to have a difficult time getting cleared for the start of training camp. Although Achilles' injuries are no longer a death knell for NFL running backs, the 49ers will have no incentive to rush Hunter back because of their backfield depth. He may open 2013 on PUP.

49ers placed RB Kendall Hunter (torn Achilles) on injured reserve, ending his season.

Rookie Jewel Hampton was activated from the NFI/reserved list in a corresponding move. Hunter averaged 5.2 yards per on 72 carries over 11 games in his second season, emerging as the lesser half of the NFL's most effective backfield tandem. As promising as Demaryius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, and Mikel Leshoure have been in their returns from Achilles tears, Hunter should be stashed on Dynasty league rosters. He has a good chance to return for training camp in August.

The Sacramento Bee confirms that Kendall Hunter is out for the season, adding that his injury turned out to be an Achilles tear.

Hunter won't be designated for return on injured reserve because it's a 6-8 month injury. Frank Gore's change-of-pace back will be replaced by some combination of Brandon Jacobs, LaMichael James, and Anthony Dixon. As of now, there's no obvious handcuff for Gore's fantasy owners. Rookie Jewel Hampton is expected to be activated from the NFI/reserved list for depth.

A source tells USA Today that Kendall Hunter (ankle) will miss the rest of the season.

Hunter went down in the third quarter of Sunday's win over the Saints. The Niners haven't disclosed the exact nature of the injury yet, but it looks like further testing revealed a fracture. The injury leaves Frank Gore owners without a clear handcuff down the stretch. Anthony Dixon, Brandon Jacobs, LaMichael James and maybe even Jewel Hunter are all in the mix for backup duties. Hunter was averaging 6.5 carries per game and finishes his second season with 371 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.