Frank Gore's Injury Will Showcase Trent Baalke Gem in Kendall Hunter

Frank Gore's injury will hinder his ability to produce in this weekend's contest with the Philadelphia Eagles. He will start this game, but expect Kendall Hunter to get a chance to tote the rock.

Frank Gore's injury gives Kendall Hunter a perfect opportunity to showcase the kind of team Trent Baalke envisions for the franchise.

Trent Baalke has his share of critics in the Niners blogosphere. Many are ridiculing him for the Taylor Mays debacle. In my opinion, Mays was a Mike Singletary issue and Baalke was pleased to be rid of him. But I digress. 

Kendall Hunter was the league leader in the preseason with 231 yards rushing. He is short and stout, and is built similarly to Maurice Jones-Drew. Just for fun, we can call him, "bowling ball 2.0" He shows an ability to hit top gear in a flash and he has the ability to make very quick cuts. Hunter's seven yard touchdown against the Bengals last week demonstrated this ability. 

In addition to this change for the 49ers, there is also a good chance that utility offensive lineman Adam Snyder will get the start at RG instead of Chilo Rachal. Snyder is a versatile player who can be and has been called upon in years past to play at every position on the line. He is smart and savvy, and I expect this change to improve the success of our entire offensive unit. 

Frank Gore fans, have no fear. Frank will still be a focal point for our offense later on in the year. He simply needs time to get his body right. He is a ferocious competitor, and the thought of a rookie coming in to take his spot will burn like an ember inside of his heart. 

Hopefully, Kendall Hunter can be as effective as MJD this weekend and provide the San Francisco 49ers with a spark on offense. They will need it against the high flying Eagles on Sunday.