Kendall Hunter done for the year.

[974life]

49ers Kendall Hunter (ankle) done for the season


By Kareem Copeland

Published: November 27, 2012 at 1:18 PM

The San Francisco 49ers will be without Kendall Hunter for the rest of the season, a source told USA Today. The running back injured his left ankle in a win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Hunter provided a quality backup and change of pace for Frank Gore. He had 371 yards and two touchdowns on 72 carries in 2012.

Hunter's absence will provide an opportunity for a back that has been pining for a chance. Rookie LaMichael James and Brandon Jacobs have both been eager for more opportunities. Jacobs, the two-time Super Bowl winner with the Giants, has been the vocal one of the two. James hasn't been active for a single game.

The 49ers are a run-first offense and the combination of Gore and Hunter was no joke. Hunter rushed for 473 yards as a rookie in 2011. The 49ers enjoyed the luxury of being able to spell Gore, who is currently No. 6 on the active career rushes list. One of those backs needs to step up.

Jacobs has been begging for a chance. Now he has to prove worthy of one.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.

[RedandGold_35]

James over Jacobs please Harbaugh

[974life]

This blows since he was playing so good. At least we get to see James has.

[Leandres_sf]

Damn, that's a big blow. Kendall was a great change of pace back.

[Leandres_sf]

James over Jacobs please Harbaugh

This.

[Lakers211221]

Kendall Hunter tore his Achilles and is done for the season I hope he can get back to full strength for next year; he's been been excellent for us this year averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

[bigcheeze]

Kendall Hunter tore his Achilles and is done for the season I hope he can get back to full strength for next year; he's been been excellent for us this year averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

James over Jacobs please Harbaugh

Agreed x2

[CityofTreez]

God Dammit!

[jbeezy]

****... huge loss.

[Infamous916]

This ruined my morning...

[sf-fanatic]

Williams is out for the year too. We are lucky RB and WR are our deepest positions. Let's see what Jenkins and James could do.

[SwatTeam]

wow, feel really bad for hunter and k. williamns BUT kaeprnick + james in spread option offense = nasty. Harbaugh and staff look smart for stacking the RB and WR positions in the offseason. Hopefully this also means more PT for moss and manningham and a good look at AJ jenkins.

[macc]

Pretty ****** deal. Hunter is a stud and it's going to hurt not having him. He sneaks up on teams with his burst off of the line. Jacobs you pretty much know what he brings to the table. A big physical back that will typically always get you a few yards. Jaems is a ? to me. I don't watch much college football so I can't give any opinion on whether or not he should be our #2 over Jacobs.

I am curious to see what Jenkins is about as well. He is also a ? to me.

[hyphy king 88]

All in one play =[

[ESaady]

**** man. Big blow! I love KH, get better soon my man!