Loss of Hunter adds to pressure, but Harbaugh and co. equipped to handle it
The recent news that backup running back Kendall Hunter was lost for the season with an achilles tear serves as a huge blow the 49ers' offense. Now, the Niners not only have to decide on which QB will start moving forward, but they also have to contend with how to replace arguably the best backup/change-of-pace running back in the league.
Hunter was far more than a backup. He served as an ideal complement to Gore with his shifty speed and elusive running. He could also block extremely well for his size, and provided a nice threat out of the backfield.
This injury will test Harbaugh and Roman's mettle but they (along with Baalke) equipped themselves as best they could for a loss such as this one. It's time for Brandon Jacobs, Anthony Dixon and possibly LaMichael James to step up. Still, one may be concerned since none of these running backs have seen the field (or at least not remotely extensively) this season.
Fear not. This is the same coaching staff that cultivated terrific rookie performances from Aldon Smith, Kendall Hunter, Chris Culliver, and Bruce Miller. Miller's story is most telling of this coaching staff's ability to quickly develop talent. In a locked out offseason, Harbaugh and company converted a 7th round defensive end into an NFL fullback that unseated veteran Moran Norris.
Another interesting aspect of Hunter's injury is how, if at all, it will impact the coach's starting QB decision. Does Kaepernick's familiarity and playing time with LaMichael James influence Harbaugh to bump both of them up on the depth chart?
Or does the loss of Hunter compel the 49ers coaching brass to play things safe and familiar and go back to Smith under center?
This is an interesting situation to monitor as the week moves on. Hunter's absence is a significant detriment to this offense any way you slice it, but it will be interesting to see how the roster changes as a result.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
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Below are Pro Football Focus' five highest-graded 49ers players on offense against the Rams.
George Kittle, TE, 84.8, 55 snaps
Trent Williams, LT, 83.4, 57 snaps
Jauan Jennings, WR, 77.5, 27 snaps
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 72.3, 30 snaps
Deebo Samuel, WR, 71.7, 51 snaps
Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on defense.
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Fred Warner, LB, 74.7, 80 snaps
Tashaun Gipson
49ers practice and media schedule leading to Week 3 matchup vs. Giants
The San Francisco 49ers will hold one full practice, a late Tuesday session, this week as the team prepares for its Week 3 matchup against the New York Giants. While it isn't specifically noted below, there will likely be a walk-though on Wednesday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to speak with the media. The 49ers will make the press conferences available at 49ers.com, on the team's official mobile app, and YouTube page.
The schedule, which is subject to
One reason why Deebo Samuel and the 49ers love Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy wasn't perfect on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, yet the team was talented and disciplined enough to beat its division rivals 30-23.
Purdy had arguably his worst game as a starter. The second-year quarterback earned an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 65.1, his lowest regular-season mark since Week 13 of 2022. He finished the game 17-of-25 for 206 yards and a passer rating of 93.1, a new regular-season career-low as a starter. The stat line might have been better had Purdy connected on a few passes to open receivers that were overthrown.
After the game, when asked about the offense's shortcomings against the Rams, Purdy
