Nov 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) celebrates after scoring on a 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter as Chicago Bears safety Chris Conte (47) and linebacker Nick Roach (53) watch at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Bears 32-7. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The unwritten rule is that a player should not lose his role due to injury. Well, we all saw what happened to QB Alex Smith, and now the same thing may happen to RB Kendall Hunter. The third-year veteran may be on the trading block after RB LaMichael James burst onto the scene in his absence. You may remember, James a second-round draft pick, did not get his opportunity until the 14th week of the regular season against the Miami Dolphins. Since then, James has been a more valuable asset due to his versatility as a return man on special teams, leaving me to wonder, why keep both of them?

For one, they are a different breed of a running back. Hunter is a down hill runner able to get to the outside, while James is more of a scat-back suited for the pistol formation. The only similarity is their small stature in terms of height, as Hunter is 5’7″ and James is 5’9″. Both players play very low to the ground, making it hard for tacklers to put a hat on them. Although both players provide an insurance policy to RB Frank Gore as a complimentary 1-2 punch, one of them is expendable and should be gone.

November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) is pushed out of bounds by Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) after running for a six yard gain in the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Also, Hunter is young, which provides great value for a team looking for a running back. There is no running back in this year’s draft worthy of a first-round grade, outside of RB Marcus Lattimore, despite his injuries. But other than that, good luck. This bodes well for the 49ers who can play this in their favor. Some teams needing a running back include the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. I purposely wiped out teams like the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals, as they would be direct competition playing in the NFC. However, those AFC teams mentioned would all be in the market for a player like Hunter.

October 27, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore (21) rushes for a touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

So if a trading suitor does arise, what can the 49ers expect to get in return for his services? Most likely a third-round draft choice in the 2013 NFL Draft or a 2014 second-round pick. A great way for the 49ers to pick up another draft pick, while trading away a player that would not be able to contribute the way he did in his first couple of years. If the 49ers strike a deal, look for them to find RB Frank Gore’s eventual replacement as RB Le’Veon Bell (Michigan St.) and Lattimore (South Carolina) would all be great options.

Call me crazy, but I believe in a crowded back field, it does not make much sense to keep three quality running backs on the roster. Especially, when Hunter’s value is higher than normal due to a weak running back draft class.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) scrambles from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

We all hear about the San Francisco 49ers big name stars such as, QB Colin Kaepernick, TE Vernon Davis and LB Patrick Willis, and the great games they play week in and week out. However, this is a team sport, and without the “other players” they would not be in the position they sometimes find themselves in. I am not trying to take away anything from the stars, as they clearly deserve the praise, however it is the “other players” that often make their big play possible. I have identified three players who I feel deserve some love, despite their unpopularity in the celebrity circle. These players often make plays that do not go unnoticed by the coaching staff but rather the fans and media. So without further ado, here is my list of the top three players that have made a significant impact thus far.

December 4, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) walks on the field next to long snapper Brian Jennings (86) after the 49ers defeated the St. Louis Rams 26-20 at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian Jennings- The 14-year veteran has quietly become the 49ers best long snapper of All-Time. And although that may not be saying much, he is by far the best long snapper in the game ever since he stepped foot in the NFL 14 years ago. He is darn near perfect on every single snap, including practice snaps. I should know, I watch him during every game, standing 8 feet away from him. The long snapper position is greatly undervalued and the Forever Faithful should consider themselves very fortunate to have Jennings services.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Jonathan Goodwin (59) prepares to snap the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jonathan Goodwin- Ever since he became a 49er, Goodwin has been a rock. He is responsible for making line calls and sometimes audibles. If Goodwin sees something he will quickly point it out. He is the man responsible for calling out blocking assignments which helps open holes for Kaep, RB Frank Gore, RB Kendall Hunter, and RB LaMichael James. A former Pro Bowler, Goodwin is smart, reliable, and durable.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) celebrates sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ray McDonald- The “other” defensive end opposite of DE Justin Smith, McDonald has been extremely productive. Mostly known to stop the run, McDonald does an exceptional job filling his gaps “gap integrity” while allowing OLB Ahmad Brooks to make plays. He is not the best pass rusher, but does not need to be with OLB Aldon Smith and Brooks coming off the edge. A defensive end that earns his paycheck on every down, McDonald’s non-stop motor wears lineman down.

Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

After the San Francisco 49ers celebrated their victory and a second straight NFC West Division title on Sunday, they cheered again after the game when the Vikings beat the Packers. With the Packers loss the 49ers officially clinched a first-round bye in the playoffs. This is the first time since 1994-1995 San Francisco won their division two seasons in a row.

Shortly after the game 49ers running back/returner LaMichael James sat down for a post game interview to talk about the spark he provided in the 49ers 27-13 win over the Cardinals. James jump started the 49ers offense in the second quarter with a 28-yard gain for the team’s first first-down of the game. Before that the offense had gained only 15 total yards in the first quarter.

Later In the interview James talks about waiting his turn to finally be activated and contribute on the field. He also says how important it is to have a bye week for the playoffs and getting chance to rest injuries. Below the video is a link to highlights of the 49ers victory.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: 49ers 27 Cardinals 13