6 Months San Francisco 49ers 1 Comment

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.

6 Months San Francisco 49ers Comment

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.

6 Months San Francisco 49ers Comment

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.

6 Months San Francisco 49ers Comment

Kendall Hunter is undergoing an MRI Monday on his injured left ankle.

Hunter was spotted in a walking boot and on crutches following Sunday's win over the Saints, suggesting a possible high ankle sprain. If it turns out to be a multi-week injury, fantasy owners who'd been stashing Hunter as a potential late-season sparkplug should drop him. Anthony Dixon, Brandon Jacobs, and possibly rookie LaMichael James will share No. 2 back duties going forward.

6 Months San Francisco 49ers Comment

Kendall Hunter was carted to the locker room with an apparent ankle or foot injury late in the third quarter of Sunday's game at New Orleans.

6 Months San Francisco 49ers Comment

Kendall Hunter rushed for 27 yards and a touchdown on five carries in Week 11 against the Bears.

Hunter has touched the ball just 10 times over the past two weeks, and it shows that he's no more than a Frank Gore handcuff. He did score a 14-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put the Niners up 17-0, though. Hunter is only a fantasy option in the deepest of deep leagues.

As I write this article I recognize there are many readers and a few writers who are dealing with issues much greater than fantasy football. To everyone affected by Hurricane Sandy, we hope all of you stay safe during a difficult time as our thoughts and prayers are with you.

San Francisco 24, Arizona 3

49ers

Like Godzilla entering Tokyo, this game was absolutely dominated by the 49ers defense holding Arizona to three points on the night. San Fran was so overpowering the Cardinals could only muster seven yards rushing, forcing Arizona into a one dimensional attack. With their backs against the wall, Michael Crabtree had an awesome performance hauling in all five of his targets for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Most impressive was Crabtree absolutely dominating Arizona's young shutdown cornerback, Patrick Peterson. As always, Crabtree's fantasy value is hindered by the stifling 49ers defense keeping the score low, and run heavy game plan. Over the last six games his fantasy production reads: 4, 1, 17, 2, 3, 19. Nothing bothers me more than sporadic production. However, at seven targets per game, Crabtree has some value if you can stomach the swings.

Excuse me, have you seen Vernon Davis? Like Crabtree, Davis is being limited by the run heavy game plan installed by the San Fran coaching staff. Over the past five weeks Davis' fantasy points are as follows: 2, 10, 3, 0, 3. It's becoming apparent that he won't survive on yardage alone, needing a touchdown to be starter worthy. Odds are you don't have other options, but Davis is slipping into the lower TE1 range.

After suffering a week eight rib injury, Frank Gore showed no ill effect ripping through the Cards defense picking up 55 total yards on big chunky runs. With a bye upcoming, the 49ers built a comfortable lead that allowed Gore to rest for much of the game giving way to Kendall Hunter. Gore owners shouldn't worry, he'll be back to RB1 status in week 10.

Commenting on Alex Smith's rotation of coaches over the years, John Gruden said, "The only change is no change for a change." Love me some Gruden.

Arizona

The desert version of Darren Sproles, LaRod Stephens-Howling opened the game in the Cards backfield. Already a down matchup, "Stephens-Howling at the moon" found absolutely zero running room picking up six yards on eight carries. At 180 lbs, LSH had a tough time slowing down the blitzing linebackers, often getting bulled over opening his quarterback up to big hits. On the upside, William...

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