News: While there was some speculation that the 49ers would enter the season with Kendall Hunter backing up Frank Gore, it turns out that the team had other plans. The 49ers signed running back Brandon Jacobs to a deal, providing a quality "big man" to back up Gore. That could mean that Hunter ends up filling a third-down role regardless of whether or not Gore is able to play at any point during the season.
Analysis: Hunter might actually fall off of standard draft boards with the arrival of Jacobs. He still has some nominal value in PPR leagues and formats that reward special-teams yardage, but is a late-round pick at best.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter tallied 23 yards on six carries during the 49ers' 36-32 victory over New Orleans in their NFC Divisional Playoff game on Saturday. Hunter had a long gain of 11 yards as he posted an average of 3.8 yards per attempt. He also had one catch for 13 yards.
Analysis: Hunter took a backseat Saturday's game as the 49ers utilized a surprisingly effective passing performance. He also finished with 66 fewer yards than starting RB Frank Gore, who also matched the team lead with seven receptions. Hunter will continue to be used as a change-of-pace back and his scoring opportunities will be limited in the NFC Championship. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option in playoff formats for now.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter enters Week 17, the final week of the regular season, expecting to see a full load of work in the game at St. Louis. The 49ers control their own destiny and a win would secure the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. Hunter will be facing a Rams team he did next to nothing against in the Week 13 contest with five carries for just 4 yards without a score. That said, the Rams enter Week 17 having allowed the fourth-most Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Just last week, Pittsburgh's Rashard Mendenhall went for 116 yards and a TD against the Rams and Isaac Redman and John Clay also scored rushing touchdowns in that game.
Analysis: Hunter is still going to be overshadowed by Frank Gore in the Week 17 game, but the backup did manage to rush 12 times for 73 yards last week at Seattle. That should count for something as Gore has been banged up and Hunter has provided a nice change of pace. Hunter is likely to see double-digit touches once again. Of course, the 73 yards he gained last week is a season high and it will be tough for him to duplicate those numbers. While Hunter has a decent shot at scoring a touchdown, he's not going to give Fantasy owners peace of mind with a start. Consider Hunter just a last-resort option in Fantasy for Week 17.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter turned in his best performance of the season in Week 16 against the Seahawks. Hunter finished with a career-best 76 yards on 12 carries in the 19-17 victory, but was unable to find the end zone. His longest run of the afternoon went for 24 yards and he averaged 6.1 yards per carry. Hunter also caught one pass for 11 yards to finish with a combined 87 yards on 13 total touches.
Analysis: Hunter continues to serve as Gore's primary backup, which means if Gore is healthy he likely won't see a ton of touches. However, the 49ers already headed for the postseason, many feel coach Jim Harbaugh could opt to give his starters some rest next week. If he chooses to sit Gore, Hunter would likely see the majority of carries heading into Week 17 against St. Louis. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on what Harbaugh decides to do next week. Owners should continue to consider Hunter merely handcuff option to Gore, unless told otherwise.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter has rushed for just 26 yards over the last three games and could be in for another slow performance in Week 16 against the Seahawks. Seattle enters Saturday ranked 11th in the league in run defense, giving up under 107 yards per contest, and has allowed an average of 16.4 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. When the division foes met earlier in the year, Hunter carried the ball twice for 4 yards.
Analysis: Hunter has gained more yards through the air than running the ball lately as he continues to see minimal touches behind Frank Gore. San Francisco will likely pound the rock on Saturday so there is a chance he could break off a long run. But considering his role and recent production, consider Hunter a No. 4 Fantasy RB or flex option for Week 16.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter was not much of a factor in Week 15 against the Steelers. Hunter finished with just 26 total yards on a combined four touches in the 20-3 victory. He did most of his damage through the air, racking up 24 of his yards on a pair of receptions. Hunter was held to just 2 yards rushing on two carries in the win and wound up averaging 6.5 yards each time he touched the ball.
Analysis: Hunter continues to serve as Gore's primary backup, which means if Gore is healthy he likely won't see a ton of touches. Unfortunately for Fantasy owners, that is exactly what happened on Monday night. Still, with the 49ers already guaranteed a spot in the postseason, San Francisco may choice to rest Gore over the next two weeks. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how coach Jim Haurbaugh decides how to distribute the carries heading into Week 16 against the Seahawks. However, owners should continue to consider Hunter merely handcuff option to Gore, unless told otherwise.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter may get more of a workload in Week 15 against Pittsburgh. With Frank Gore not 100 percent, the 49ers may lean on Hunter more as the season winds down. It won't be an easy assignment though as the Steelers boast one of the best defenses in the league. Pittsburgh has given up just six rushing scores in 13 games and has been allowing 97 yards on the ground per outing.
Analysis: Even if Hunter and Gore share carries on Monday night, neither will have an advantage against a tough defense. Opposing team's running backs are averaging 13.69 Fantasy points per game against the Steelers defense. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how coach Jim Haurbaugh decides how to distribute the carries moving forward, but as long as Gore is healthy enough to play Hunter should be considered more of a No. 4 RB or flex option for Week 15.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter wasn't much of a factor in Week 14 against the Cardinals. Hunter, who continues to serve as Frank Gore's primary backup, finished with 10 total touches for 39 yards in the 21-19 loss. He did most of his damage on the ground, racking up 20 yards rushing on eight carries. He also caught two passes for 19 yards, but was unable to find the end zone in the defeat.
Analysis: Hunter was unable to rack up many yards on Sunday, but could be gearing up for a strong finish to the season. With the 49ers already guaranteed a spot in the postseason, San Francisco appears to be taking the cautious approach with some of their players. One of those seems to be Gore, who only had 10 carries on Sunday. Kendall got eight in the contest and was regularly rotated in backfield throughout the game. While Gore will still be the team's primary rushing option, Kendall could see an increase in touches over the next few weeks. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how coach Jim Haurbaugh decides how to distribute the carries moving forward. If Hunter is expected to see an increased role moving forward, he could be worth using as a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy RB in Week 15 against the Steelers.
News: After racking up 25 carries over a three-game stretch back in November, 49ers RB Kendall Hunter has not seen much touches of late. Hunter, who has rushed for 302 yards and a pair of touchdowns thus far, has only racked up nine carries over his last two contests. The 49ers take on the Cardinals in Week 14. Arizona enters the contest ranked 20th in run defense, allowing 123.5 yards on the ground.
Analysis: Hunter continues to serve as Gore's primary backup, which has really limited his touches of late. While the rookie has shown flashes of his potential in his limited opportunities, his value in Fantasy will continue to be low as long as Gore is healthy. Owners should continue to consider Hunter a solid handcuff option to Gore heading into Week 14.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter did not see many touches in Week 13 against the Rams. He gained just 4 yards on five carries and also had two catches for 24 yards in the 26-0 win.
Analysis: Hunter has totaled just 55 yards over the last two games as he continues to see a limited role behind starter Frank Gore. While he has been able to put together some decent performances, his value in Fantasy will continue to be low as long as Gore is healthy. Plan on leaving him on the bench in the majority of Fantasy leagues for Week 14 against the Cardinals. Hunter remains a solid handcuff option to Gore, though.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter will be going up against a poor run defense in the Rams in Week 13. St. Louis ranks last in the NFL against the run, giving up 159 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 21.1 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. Hunter has rushed for 106 yards with one touchdown over his last four games.
Analysis: Hunter was not able to find much room to run last week against the Ravens but has a much more favorable matchup with the Rams on Sunday. While Frank Gore is expected to see the majority of the carries, the rookie could see some extra work as the 49ers will likely pound the rock with their two capable running backs. Also there is a change for a blowout, which would likely equate to extra carries for Hunter. Consider Hunter a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy RB for Week 13.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter had four carries for 14 yards during the 49ers’ 16-6 loss at Baltimore in Week 12 on Thursday night. Hunter was held to less than 30 yards for the second game in a row as starting RB Frank Gore carried the workload for San Francisco. Hunter also finished with a catch for 13 yards -- the third consecutive game he’s had a reception -- while being targeted once by QB Alex Smith.
Analysis: As long as Gore is healthy, Hunter’s chances will be limited just like on Thursday night. Hunter finished with 10 fewer attempts than Gore as he posted an average of 3.5 yards per carry. The 23-year-old rookie does have solid potential and is two yards shy of surpassing 300 rushing yards on the season. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end option in deeper formats for Week 13 against St. Louis.
News: With starting RB Frank Gore nearing full strength, San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter has seen his offensive production decrease recently. Hunter netted just 27 rushing yards last Sunday against Arizona as most of his 11 carries came late with the game well in hand. His 2.5 yards per attempt was his lowest output since the season opener against Seattle (2.0) when he's recorded at least one carry in a game.
Analysis: Hunter might not receive more chances to shine as the 49ers are expected to lean heavily on Gore during their Week 12 matchup at Baltimore. Hunter, who has notched a reception in back-to-back games, is averaging 4.4 yards per carry this season. But with Gore close to full strength, Hunter is unlikely to top double-digits in carries and remains a low-end No. 4 Fantasy RB or flex option against the Ravens in Week 12. Baltimore is surrendering an average of just 13 Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter had an opportunity to get some work in as the 49ers kept RB Frank Gore on the bench during the entire fourth quarter of their 23-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11. Unlike in previous weeks where Hunter took full advantage of limited opportunities, this time Hunter picked up just 27 yards on 11 carries, with one catch for 15 yards and no touchdowns.
Analysis: Hunter could have been a decent option for Fantasy owners, as Gore's carries were going to be limited because of a knee injury and a weak opponent. However, Gore carried the brunt of the load for three quarters, and when Hunter got his shot, he couldn't do anything with it. The 49ers travel to Baltimore in Week 12, and the Ravens are the second best defense against Fantasy RBs, so don't view Hunter as a starting Fantasy RB, unless Gore has a setback with his knee.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter may see an increased role in the offense, as Frank Gore's status remains somewhat unclear following his knee injury in Week 10. When he was in the game, Gore was totally unproductive, picking up zero yards on six carries, probably due to an ankle injury he was trying to work through. Because of his ineffectiveness, it's possible the 49ers will limit his role and split the carries between the two backs and spread the workload out between both.
Analysis: Hunter's situation puts Fantasy owners in a tough place, as over his last six games, he's averaged 5.3 yards per carry while spelling Gore. Last week, following a knee injury to Gore, he picked up 40 yards and a touchdown on just six carries. He has shown himself to be a viable alternative to Gore in the offense when needed, and Gore's status for Week 11 remains somewhat up in the air. However, because Gore, when healthy, is a clear No. 1 Fantasy RB, Hunter can't be considered more than a No. 3 RB or Flex option.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter had six carries for 40 yards and a touchdown during the 49ers' 27-20 win over the Giants in Week 10. Hunter raced into the end zone on a 17-yard run during the fourth quarter to give San Francisco a 27-13 lead. It was the second touchdown the 49ers scored in a span of 61 seconds to secure the victory. Hunter also had one catch for four yards while being targeted three times by QB Alex Smith.
Analysis: Hunter led the team in rushing after starting RB Frank Gore left in the second quarter with a knee injury. Hunter, who was dealing with an ankle injury himself, finished with his best rushing total since Week 5 against Tampa Bay (65). The rookie now has two touchdowns in his backup role this season. Gore is expected to play against Arizona in Week 11, but Fantasy owners should be ready to pounce on Hunter in case that changes.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter is active for Week 10 against the Giants after dealing with an ankle injury in practice last week. He was a full participant in practice all week and was considered probable on the team's injury report.
Analysis: With starting RB Frank Gore also banged up, there’s a good chance Hunter will be more involved in the game plan than usual on Sunday. He could see 5-10 touches, but remains a low-end option in the majority of Fantasy formats with Gore still in the lineup.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 10 vs. N.Y. Giants. He practiced in full all week. New York ranks 25th in the league in run defense, giving up over 127 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 18.5 Fantasy points per week to RBs.
Analysis: It's good to see Hunter probable for Week 10, but his role will remain the same now that Frank Gore is also probable with an ankle injury of his own. Hunter might see 5-10 carries, but he remains at best a No. 4 Fantasy RB.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter was listed with an ankle injury on Wednesday's practice report but was able to practice in full as he prepared for Week 10 against the Giants. New York ranks 25th in the league in run defense, giving up over 127 yards per game, and have allowed an average of 18.5 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Hunter continues to see carries for the 49ers but it is clear that he is still the backup to Frank Gore. Gore has been nursing an ankle injury, however, so the 23-year-old could see a larger role on Sunday if he is unable to go. Owners should keep an eye on the situation going forward as it will likely determines Hunter's Fantasy value for Week 10. But since Gore is expected to play, consider Hunter as more of a No. 4 Fantasy RB or flex option against the Giants.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter backed up another 100-yard rushing performance from starter Frank Gore on Sunday in Washington. Hunter rushed eight times behind Gore for 25 yards. Hunter did not make a catch in the passing game and was not targeted by QB Alex Smith.
Analysis: Hunter will be running against the Giants at home in San Francisco in Week 10 and New York has been allowing plenty of Fantasy points to opposing running backs. The Giants have been routinely allowing 100-yard rushers against them and are good to allow a touchdown per game at least. Unfortunately, those numbers will likely go to Gore and not Hunter. Unless something happens to Gore, Hunter will remain a last-resort option in Fantasy play.
News: San Francisco RB Kendall Hunter rushed just three times for 26 yards Week 8 against Cleveland as he continues to be little more than a change of pace for starter Frank Gore. Hunter enters Week 9 at Washington having not topped 65 yards or nine carries this season and has only scored one touchdown. Hunter has no history against the Redskins and Washington has been pretty solid against the run this season.
Analysis: Washington has only allowed the 18th-most Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season. That said, the defense is wilting because the offense can't keep them off the field. Just last week against Buffalo, Fred Jackson rushed 26 times for 120 yards and added three catches for 74 more against Washington. Of course, whatever the Redskins give up will likely go to Gore. Hunter should only be considered a last-resort in Fantasy circles for Week 9.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter was not much of a factor in Week 8 against the Browns. Hunter finished with just 26 rushing yards on three carries in the 20-10 contest and was unable to find the end zone. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry and had a long of 26 yards on the afternoon.
Analysis: Hunter had been seeing an increased number of carries of late, but that trend reversed on Sunday. In fact, rookie had registered at least eight carries in each of the team's last four games, but he wasn't needed against Cleveland. Unfortunately for Kendall, Gore is arguably the hottest RB in the league right now, so his touches could begin to dwindle moving forward. As long as Gore is healthy, he will see the bulk of the work, which will continue to limit Kendall's touches and Fantasy value. Consider the 23-year-old a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy option heading into Week 9 against Washington.
News: 49ers rookie RB Kendall Hunter will be hoping to see a decent number of carries in Week 8 against the Browns. Hunter, who remains listed as No. 2 on the depth chart behind RB Frank Gore, has racked up at least eight carries in each of his last three games. Cleveland enters Sunday's contest ranked 19th in run defense, allowing 119 yards per game. The Browns have only surrendered two touchdowns on the ground and are allowing an average of 15.7 Fantasy points to opposing RBs on the season.
Analysis: While Hunter continues to serve as Gore's primary backup, the 49ers have been integrating him more and more into the offense of late. The 23-year-old has seen at least eight touches in each of the team's last three games after getting a combined 11 total carries over the team's first three contests of the season. However, as long as Gore is healthy, he will see the bulk of the work, which will continue to limit Kendall's touches and Fantasy value. Consider a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy option heading into Week 8.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter made two separate runs for nine yards in the fourth-quarter drive that produced the winning touchdown in a 25-19 victory over the Lions in Week 6. Hunter finished with 33 yards on eight carries on the afternoon.
Analysis: Hunter played an important role for the 49ers during a critical drive, but ultimately, he didn't produce much for Fantasy owners. As long as Frank Gore is healthy, he will get the bulk of the touches, leaving Hunter with relatively little opportunity to contribute. Normally, he can be considered as a low-end No. 3 RB at best, but the 49ers will have their bye in Week 7.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter is coming off the highest rushing yardage total of his young career, as he carried the ball nine times for 65 yards against the Buccaneers in Week 5. Hunter will face a stiffer test in Week 6, when the Niners travel to Detroit. Opposing teams have not been testing the Lions' rushing defense, as running backs have been averaging fewer than 20 carries per game against them. The Lions have allowed just one touchdown to a running back all season, and they have allowed running backs the fourth-fewest Fantasy points per game among all teams. Hunter has 133 rushing yards on 29 carries so far this season, and he has one touchdown.
Analysis: Hunter has been getting a decent share of touches lately, carrying the ball nine times in each of the last three games, and he has also been getting a handful of targets. Hunter, however, has yet to show that he can gain big yardage with any regularity. Especially with Frank Gore running on a healthy ankle now, Hunter should be considered as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy RB option. Longer-term, Hunter has value as a handcuff option to Gore.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter did not get the start in Week 5 against the Buccaneers as Frank Gore was at full strength. He was still able to post some stats, however, gaining 65 yards on nine carries in the 48-3 win. Hunter had a long run of 44 and averaged 7.2 yards per rush. He also had one kick return for 22 yards in the victory.
Analysis: Hunter posted his highest rushing performance of the season on Sunday but was still second on San Francisco behind Gore (125 yards). The rookie has proven that he can make plays when given the opportunity and will probably continue to see several touches per game so keep an eye on his progress going forward. But as long as Gore is healthy, his Fantasy value will be lessened. Heading into Week 6 against the Lions, consider Hunter as a low-end No. 3/high-end No. 4 Fantasy RB. He remains a solid handcuff option to Gore though.
News: Niners coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that it is “very possible” that rookie RB Kendall Hunter will continue to have a role in the offense even with RB Frank Gore in better health. “Kendall is doing very well, grading out very well and making the most of his opportunities,” Harbaugh said.
Analysis: Hunter had 100 yards from scrimmage in 11 touches against the Eagles. Gore reported feeling much better on Wednesday in regards to his ailing ankle and should see a majority of the carries in Week 5. However, Harbaugh is hinting that Hunter could still see a fair amount of touches. Will that be enough to maintain him as a viable RB in Fantasy? Maybe, maybe not. He should be viewed as merely a low-end No. 3 RB -- at best -- for now. Monitor his playing time in Week 5 against Tampa Bay. The Bucs have allowed just two touchdowns this season to opposing RBs (both coming in Week 2 vs. Minnesota). They have held opposing RBs to a combined 89 yards over the past two weeks.
News: 49ers RB Kendall Hunter drew the start Week 4 against the Eagles as RB Frank Gore was hobbled by an ankle injury. However, Gore still outproduced Hunter, who rushed for 38 yards on nine carries. His longest rush went 14 yards. Hunter did managed 62 yards on two catches. Gore paced the rushing attack with 127 yards and one touchdown.
Analysis: Although Hunter didn't have a better day than Gore, he did prove that the 49ers could be productive with a two-headed rushing attack. That's not to say that the 49ers won't lean on Gore when he is at 100 percent, but Hunter has certainly earned his way into regular touches. It's just that he will get backup touches as long as Gore is active, so Hunter remains a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 5 against the Bucs.
News: 49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) is active for Week 4 at Philadelphia, but Kendall Hunter will get the start at running back for San Francisco.
Analysis: The reports early in the week were that Gore and Hunter were going to split carries Week 4, whether or not Gore was active. It seems he is good enough to play, but maybe not 100 percent. It seems Hunter is going to be in the mix for carries Week 4, so consider him a No. 3 Fantasy RB or flex option.
News: 49ers RB Frank Gore is officially listed as questionable for Week 4 at Philadelphia with an ankle injury. Gore is expected to play Sunday, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh, but Kendall Hunter is expected to share carries Week 4, according to a report earlier in the week from the Sacramento Bee.Analysis: Hunter's exact workload remains to be determined, but it is clear he would be in line for more touches than he has been getting to this point. He got two carries in Week 1 against Seattle and did not get any work in Week 2 against Dallas. Last week, with Gore ailing, he was given nine touches that went for 26 yards, including his first career touchdown. The Eagles have allowed the third most rushing yards in the NFL this season, allowing an average of 131.3 yards per game. Hunter may be a sleeper option as a flex player or No. 3 RB in deeper leagues, but remains a wild card with his exact role unclear.
News: The Sacramento Bee reports that 49ers RB Frank Gore is likely to share carries with Kendall Hunter if he plays in Week 4 at Philadelphia. Gore was limited in Wednesday's practice after playing through an ankle injury in the second half of his Week 3 game in Cincinnati.
Analysis: Hunter's exact workload remains to be determined, but it is clear he would be in line for more touches than he has been getting to this point. He got two carries in Week 1 against Seattle and did not get any work in Week 2 against Dallas. Last week, with Gore ailing, he was given nine touches that went for 26 yards, including his first career touchdown. The Eagles have allowed the third most rushing yards in the NFL this season, allowing an average of 131.3 yards per game. Hunter may be a sleeper option as a flex player or No. 3 RB in deeper leagues, but remains a wild card with his exact role unclear.
News: 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh talked about the play of rookie RB Kendall Hunter on Monday, a day after he scored his first career touchdown against the Bengals. "I think he did very well, graded out very well," Harbaugh said. "He made some tough runs, including the touchdown run. Caught a pass, got a first down and did some very good things.”
Analysis: Harbaugh was noncommittal about whether Hunter’s role would increase going forward. Frank Gore admitted Sunday that he played with a banged up ankle against the Bengals, but on Monday Harbaugh said Gore should be good to go for Week 4. Only time will tell. Hunter would likely be the top option to replace Gore if he is ever on the sidelines due to injury. But Hunter remains just a handcuff Fantasy option heading into Sunday's game against the Eagles.
News: San Francisco 49ers rookie RB Kendall Hunter scored his first career touchdown in Week 3 in Cincinnati, scoring on a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter -- the only touchdown of the game. Hunter finished the game with 26 yards on nine carries. He added two catches for 12 yards.
Analysis: After the game, it was revealed that starter Frank Gore dealt with an ankle injury in the second half. That allowed Hunter to get his first significant playing time of the young season. Gore added that he was unsure if he would be able to play in Week 4 against the Eagles, making Hunter possibly a viable starting option for Fantasy owners in the upcoming scoring period. The Eagles have been poor against the run this season and Hunter could be qualified as a viable No. 3 RB or flex option if he is in line for significant touches. Follow this situation closely as it develops this week, but Hunter could be worth a punt off the waiver wire where available.
News: San Francisco rookie RB Kendall Hunter made his NFL debut on Sunday against Seattle. He had two carries for 4 yards in the 49ers 33-17 win. Frank Gore got the bulk of the work carrying the ball 22 times, while Hunter's touches came on short-yardage situations.
Analysis: Hunter is Gore's backup and could see an increase in touches down the road, but for now he is still just a handcuff option in Fantasy leagues. Don't bank on starting him unless something happens to Gore, which could always happen. He's not worth starting in Week 2 against Dallas.
News: 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said that RB Kendall Hunter, the 49ers' fourth-round pick from Oklahoma State, has moved ahead of RB Anthony Dixon on the depth chart and will be the backup for RB Frank Gore. However, he said that there will be a rotation and all three will play in games.
Analysis: Hunter has provided a late-game spark in each of the preseason games and it was enough to earn the No. 2 job. The team will give all three backs playing time, so the rookie remains a low-end option at best for now as long as Gore is healthy. Hunter is worth a late-round flier in seasonal drafts, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early-round choice in rookie-only formats.
News: 49ers rookie RB Kendall Hunter totaled 40 yards on eight carries vs. Houston in Saturday's preseason game. He did not start.
Analysis: Hunter is only going to earn more and more playing time with good rushing averages and flashes of speed like he had Saturday. He's worth a late-round flier in seasonal drafts, a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and an early-round choice in rookie-only formats.
News: 49ers rookie RB Kendall Hunter made his preseason NFL debut in Friday's game against the Saints, and he was solid when given the ball. He carried the rock seven times for 29 yards on the night, notching a long of 13 yards along the way. Hunter also served as the primary kick returner, fielding two for 40 yards.
Analysis: Hunter is a versatile and talented back out of Oklahoma State, but he is competing for carries with several backs. Frank Gore remains one of the few featured backs in the NFL, and Anthony Dixon is as capable as any change-of-pace back in the league. Hunter figures to get some touches early on, but we can't imagine it being enough to warrant much Fantasy value. Target him only in the late rounds on Draft Day in seasonal formats.
News: The San Jose Mercury News reports that 49ers GM Trent Baalke thinks highly of RB Kendall Hunter, who was drafted in the fourth round out of Oklahoma State. “We’re not looking him as a change-of-pace back. We think he’s a four-down back," Baalke said. "He can run the power game, he can get to the edge, he can catch a ball out of the backfield, he can pass-protect and he can return punts and kickoffs … He’s got a very good combination of quickness, strength and bursts. Is he a 4.3 guy? No. But he has very good competitive speed. You don’t see him get caught from behind. I really like the way he finishes his runs."
Analysis: Hunter carried 271 times last season for 1,548 yards and 16 touchdowns while also making 20 catches for 101 yards. Hunter will compete with Anthony Dixon to be the No. 2 RB behind Frank Gore. We can see Hunter playing a role for the 49ers but not a significant one. Still, if you draft Gore and Hunter earns the role as the backup option then he would be worth a late-round pick in seasonal leagues. He's definitely worth drafting in dynasty/keeper leagues, and he should be considered with a mid-round selection in rookie-only formats.
News: The San Francisco 49ers have selected Oklahoma State running back Kendall Hunter with the 115th overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft. Hunter carried 271 times last season for 1,548 yards and 16 touchdowns while also making 20 catches for 101 yards.
Analysis: Hunter has the makings of a great change-of-pace back in the NFL. Expect him to settle in on the depth chart behind Frank Gore and Anthony Dixon in San Francisco, making him useless in seasonal leagues but a worthy late-round flier in dynasty/keeper leagues and a middle-round choice in rookie-only drafts.
