San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Hunter Won't Steal Frank Gore's Job This Season

Kendall Hunter has looked overly impressive for the 49ers thus far, but there is no way he is going to take over Frank Gore's role as the No. 1 running back in San Francisco.

Hunter dominated in preseason and came up huge for the 49ers when Gore struggled in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but there is only one feature back in San Francisco, and that's No. 21.

The 49ers just fed Gore a contract. While he's struggled mightily thus far, he's still the best man for the job. Just as the Titans shouldn't give up on Chris Johnson, the 49ers shouldn't kick one of their best offensive players to the curb because of a few bad games.

That doesn't mean Hunter won't be getting more touches. Gore has had problems staying healthy his entire career. If they can get Hunter on the field and get solid production out of him, there is no reason the 49ers can't go to a two-back system.

Many people are already calling for Hunter to take over the starting role, but his productivity isn't much better than Gore's. He's averaging a subpar 2.7 YPC—just 0.2 more YPC than Gore.

The 49ers offense will come around. They are still learning the ins and outs of the new offense and with the passing game and run game struggling, protection issues and the new scheme have to be taken into consideration here.

Gore is a captain and has been the one constant in the 49ers offense since he arrived. When he's on a hot streak, he can put up elite numbers and completely take over a game.

It's important not to let a nine-carry, 26-yard game from Hunter suddenly anoint him king of the backfield. He's a promising rookie who looks like he might be able to carry the load once Gore falls off, but that day is not today.

The 49ers take on the Eagles next week and will have plenty of opportunities to break loose on the ground. Philadelphia has a porous run defense and both runners are going to have opportunities to break loose.

Gore doesn't have to completely carry the 49ers anymore, but there is no way he will take a backseat to Hunter this season.

Jim Harbaugh puts the best 11 on the field. There is a chance that with Gore struggling, he will put Hunter in to see what he can do. That doesn't mean Hunter is the better running back.

If ever there is a time when Hunter is the better running back, you won't see Harbaugh hesitate to get him in the action. Even so, Gore is the leader of the offense and still one of the most talented between-the-tackles backs in the game.

You can expect Hunter to eat into Gore's workload, but Gore's job couldn't be safer.