Kendall

Hunter

The 49ers’ offensive line was overwhelmed by the Seahawks, leading to just 2.68 yards per carry on 22 attempts for Gore. The good news is that the 49ers aren’t afraid to ride Gore, and he’s proven he can handle monster workloads before. Look for another 25-touch outing against the Cowboys this week.

Dixon was the only other 49er back to get a carry, as Kendall Hunter’s only impact was a big 43-yard kick return. Frank Gore is clearly the bell-cow in San Fran, and it remains unclear as to who would see a majority of the carries if he ever goes down to an injury.

Hunter saw an increased role with Frank Gore (ankle) hobbled in the second half. The rookie out of Oklahoma State should be one of the top waiver adds in fantasy leagues this week. Hunter has just as much burst as Gore, and can do a little bit of everything. The 49ers play the Eagles next.

“I don’t know, man,” Gore said. “I really don’t know. If I can’t go, I can’t go.” According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers believe they will have Gore in “some type of limited role” against the Eagles, leaving Kendall Hunter with extra snaps. Despite a limited practice on Wednesday, Gore’s status remains up in the air for Week 4. Even in an attractive matchup, he’s a high-risk fantasy play if he ends up getting the green light.

Gore admitted earlier in the day he has no idea if he’ll be active against the Eagles, so owners need to have Kendall Hunter at the ready. Hunter will likely be in for a decent workload even if Gore is active, and is looking poised to be a shrewd play against Philadelphia’s 30th ranked run defense.

This chimes with Saturday’s report from CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, who said it’s not even a given that Gore (ankle, questionable) would be active Sunday. Kendall Hunter is in line to carry the rock if Gore is indeed sidelined, making for a nice fantasy play against Philadelphia’s 30th ranked run defense. Even if Gore suits up, Hunter could see 10-to-15 touches.

Earlier this morning, FOX Sports’ John Czarnecki wrote that Gore would be inactive. We feel much more comfortable trusting the two well-connected reporters on this one. Though Gore is likely to suit up and start, there’s a big question mark surrounding his ability to be effective. Rookie Kendall Hunter figures to have an increased role as Gore’s backup, and may even get more touches.

It makes Hunter quite a bit more interesting from a fantasy perspective. The Eagles can’t stop the run even when they sell out to stop it, and Hunter now looks to be a candidate for 16-20 touches. Gore is active for the game, but clearly isn’t a fantasy option injured and coming off the bench.

This is confirmation of what we already thought heading into Week 5. Gore (probable, ankle) will start against the Bucs on Sunday, who are ranked 22nd in the league allowing 4.4 yards per carry. Consider him a rock-solid RB2 and borderline RB1 play.

He appeared to be on his way to get one-third of the snaps as beat writer Matt Maiocco guessed he would earlier in the week, but his first series ended in an early score and then Frank Gore got hot. Hunter cannot be counted on to produce in his change-of-pace role, but he is one of the most valuable handcuffs around. If Gore goes down, Hunter will be an immediate every-week RB2 play.