The Facts:
The San Francisco 49ers placed second-year running back Kendall Hunter on season-ending injured reserve (IR) Tuesday with a torn Achilles tendon. Hunter proved to be a dynamic change-of-pace option to starter Frank Gore this season, carrying the ball 72 times for 371 yards (5.2 YPC average) and two touchdowns. It was originally reported that Hunter sprained his ankle in the third quarter of Sunday's decisive win over the New Orleans Saints, on the same play on which wide receiver Kyle Williams tore the ACL in his left knee.
Reported by Allie Fontana on Twitter
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Quarterback controversy aside, the big question for fantasy owners is who is the handcuff or complement to Frank Gore? Speedy rookie and second-round pick LaMichael James had been kept under wraps this season. He'd be an interesting addition if he landed in Hunter's spot as the change-of-pace back, but he hasn't played in an NFL regular season game. In a conference call last Friday, head coach Jim Harbaugh didn't sound too confident that James was ready for prime time—at least in terms of handling return duties for the Niners. Brandon Jacobs is finally healthy after a preseason knee injury. He offers experience and size, but not the speed and elusiveness of Hunter. Jacobs got his first carry Sunday—a rush for 1-yard. Special teams ace and occasional fullback Anthony Dixon could also see an expanded role. Finally, the 49ers could also activate rookie Jewel Hunter from the non-football injury list. Here's the bottomline: there's no clear handcuff to Gore at the moment. Logic tells us that an experienced veteran like Jacobs would be in the mix at least initially, so if you're the type of fantasy owner that likes to handcuff his starters, the former Giant is the player to target for now.
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