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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Moments later, Samuel re-emerged and joined his teammates on the practice field, forcing several tweet corrections from the media on hand.
Check that —he just re-emerged and is on the field. #emotionalrollercoaster
49ers will discuss Baker Mayfield but Kyle Shanahan is comfortable with current situation
There has been a lot of media speculation that the San Francisco 49ers might be interested in quarterback Baker Mayfield after losing Jimmy Garoppolo for the remainder of the season to a broken foot. The Carolina Panthers released Mayfield, who enters the waiver wire.
San Francisco sits at No. 24 in the waiver wire priority order, so several teams will have a chance to snatch up the quarterback ahead of the Niners, assuming they are even interested.
"We look into everything," head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters via a conference call when asked about Mayfield on Monday. "But that would surprise me right now, and we've got to discuss it this afternoon and stuff. I've always been a fan of his, but I feel real good about our players."
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PFF's highest- and lowest-graded 49ers players vs. Saints, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 7-4 after a 13-0 win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades from the game. Which Niners played well, and who has more work to do?
Below are Pro Football Focus' five highest-graded 49ers players on offense against the Saints.
Jordan Mason, RB, 91.4, 9 snaps
Trent Williams, LT, 84.9, 70 snaps
Jauan Jennings, WR, 78.6, 29 snaps
Ray-Ray McCloud III, WR, 76.9, 7 snaps
Daniel Brunskill, RG, 72.9, 32 snaps
Below are the five highest-graded 49ers players on defense.
Fred Warner, LB, 89.6, 57 snaps
Samson Ebukam, DE, 83.9, 35 snaps
Charvarius Ward, CB, 78.0, 56
49ers practice and media schedule leading to Week 13 matchup vs. Dolphins
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as the team prepares for its Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryan, offensive line/run game coordinator Chris Foerster, and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo 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.
Below is the schedule, which is subject to change, for the upcoming week. All times are
