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 views within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
More San Francisco 49ers News
John Lynch reaches out to Richard Sherman and wife; 49ers ready to offer resources, support
By David Bonilla
Jul 15, 2021
Richard Sherman is going through a difficult situation right now. He was arrested on Wednesday morning after allegedly crashing his vehicle, then causing a disturbance at the residence of his in-laws, and eventually resisting law enforcement.
Sherman was charged with "burglary domestic violence," with the "domestic violence" designation being assigned due to the cornerback being related to individuals inside the residence where the incident took place. While Sherman and officers suffered some minor injuries before the cornerback was apprehended, no one else was injured.
More troubling was the
Who Are The Best Follows For 49ers News and Content?
By Marc Adams
Jul 20, 2021
Wait...what? Who writes an article about beat writers? Whose stupid idea was this? We like to read about players and coaches...the team - not the people who cover them. Right?
We are just one week away from the San Francisco 49ers reporting to training camp. Although the first practice does not start until Saturday, July 31st, the players will begin filing in next Tuesday (July 27th). So I thought I would share my favorite follows, when it comes to 49ers news and content. And though this may end up being a train wreck of an idea, here are some of the really talented people who keep me informed:
For 49ers news, notes, content
We have many great people who cover the 49ers. The two beat writers I most recommend are
Kyle Juszczyk: Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel's vision makes the 49ers dangerous
By David Bonilla
Jul 21, 2021
Kyle Juszczyk spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before signing with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. The best fullback in the league re-signed with the team in March, ensuring he remains in the Bay Area through the 2025 season.
It sounds like Juszczyk has no regrets about the decision to remain with head coach Kyle Shanahan. It's an offensive scheme that suits him and takes advantage of his unique versatility. Juszczyk may not have had the same opportunities with another organization.
"I definitely have had the most fun in San Francisco because I am a little more featured," Juszczyk said this week on The Ross Tucker Football Podcast. "'Featured' is different as a fullback. I'm not the featured halfback or the No. 1 receiver. ...
John Lynch: 49ers defense 'feeds off' Fred Warner's leadership and energy
By David Bonilla
Jul 22, 2021
The San Francisco 49ers officially announced the five-year extension for star linebacker Fred Warner. News of the deal was first reported yesterday. The $95.225 million contract could keep the All-Pro defender with San Francisco through the 2026 season.
"We're extremely excited to have completed a long-term contract extension with Fred prior to the start of training camp," general manager John Lynch said via a statement. "Fred brings the type of leadership and energy every day that our defense and team feeds off. He earned this extension through hard work, discipline, and the professional way he goes about his business. We look forward to watching him continue to play at an
