The running back rotation for the San Francisco 49ers is one of the more interesting story lines heading into training camp. The team currently has six on the roster including savvy veteran Frank Gore and hot-shot rookie, Carlos Hyde. Not everyone is expected to make the roster with a decision pending in the coming weeks. However a recent injury might make that decision for itself.
The 49ers have confirmed per an ESPN report that Kendall Hunter has torn his ACL during a non-contact drill in training camp and will miss the remainder of the season. Hunter was injured attempting to catch a swing pass and he quickly fell to the ground before having to be helped off the field. This injury comes after he tore his Achilles in November of 2012.
The injury comes at an interesting time for Hunter. The running back has been a quality reserve for the 49ers but he is in a contract year and the injury does not help his now bubble status. The roster group is crowded with talent and the 49ers might not have another option other than to release him. The injury is good new for other bubble running backs like LaMIchael James and Marcus Lattimore.
The pressure is now on James and Lattimore to step up. James has not been thrilled with the 49ers and has let them know a trade would be welcomed so he can get more playing time. However, he will now get more reps to prove why he deserves the increased playing time. Right now, the 49ers will not grant a trade until they know how their other options are shaping up.
Lattimore is in a similar boat, risking release if his health does not improve. The running back sat out his rookie season, still recovering from a gruesome leg injury suffered in college. The 49ers have been patient with Lattimore, content with letting him get healthy, but that might be running thin as the team is getting forced to make roster cuts. The injury to Hunter is one less player he has to compete with.
Meanwhile Hyde and Gore look poised to be in a battle for playing time this fall. The rookie has impressed coaches and San Francisco expects to give him a heavy workload which means less carries for Gore, something he is not open to.
"I've been out there competing ever since I left high school," Gore said, via the Sacramento Bee. "I've been with top guys who have been in the league. ... One day, (the young running backs) are going to have to get this role. But while I'm here, I'm going to look at it as a challenge. When my number's called to be out there, I'm out there."