Frank Gore hasn't been his usual productive self for the San Francisco 49ers this season.

Rookie backup Kendall Hunter hasn't lit up the stat sheet, either, but there was a noticeable spring in his step against Cincinnati in Week 3.



An ankle injury to Gore has made his status questionable against Philadelphia in Week 4. Might this game against the Eagles' so-so run defense provide the 49ers an opportunity to rest Gore while testing the theory that Hunter, though only 5-foot-7, can be an every-down back?

Update: Gore is active against the Eagles, but Hunter is getting the start. There is the 49ers' storyline for this game.

Hunter played a season-high 22 snaps against the Bengals, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He carried nine times for 26 yards and a 7-yard touchdown on second-and-goal.

Nine of Hunter's 11 carries this season have come during fourth quarters. The Bengals held him to minus-1 yards on back-to-back carries as the 49ers protected a late lead and positioned themselves for David Akers' 53-yard field goal.

In other words, Hunter hasn't had an opportunity to establish a rhythm earlier in games. His two carries outside fourth quarters included a 4-yard run on first down and a run for no gain on third-and-1 from deep in 49ers territory. Not much to go on.

The Eagles have allowed 131 yards rushing per game and 4.9 yards per carry.