49ers injury updates: Circling back on Kendall Hunter, Mario Manningham, Kyle Williams and more

In recent weeks, I've been hit up on Twitter numerous times for updates on various 49ers injuries. We've provided updates as news developed, but I figured now was a good time to put together a comprehensive update on where we stand. There was some new information on Kendall Hunter this weekend, but otherwise this is just a compilation so everybody is on the same page. Well, everybody that reads this at least.

Kendall Hunter

The 49ers running back tore his Achilles in the 49ers Week 12 win over the New Orleans Saints. We had not heard much on the extent of the injury or his rehab progress. Over the weekend, Eric Branch reported that a source close to Hunter said he was ahead of schedule on his recovery, and would be ready for the start of training camp.

It will be key to get Hunter back and ready for 2013 given how dominant that running back trio could be. That being said, sources close to a player should always be taken with a grain of salt. I can't imagine there is much to be gained by reporting a player is behind schedule on his rehab. Hopefully all is well, but we'll keep an eye out for more information.

Kyle Williams

The 49ers wide receiver tore his ACL on the same play that knocked out Kendall Hunter in the 49ers Week 12 win over the New Orleans Saints. Last week, Williams tweeted out that he ran for the first time since surgery. As I've mentioned before, I had a chance to talk to Williams at the Super Bowl and he said he could be ready before training camp, but there is no need to rush.

I imagine he will not be all that involved in OTAs and minicamp, but hopefully he bounces back by late July. Until we see him on the field, we'll have to wait and see what news we hear as summer approaches.

Mario Manningham

The 49ers wide receiver tore his ACL and PCL during the 49ers Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Given how deep into the season this injury was suffered, all reports have him coming back late in training camp at the very earliest. It seems there is a good possibility that he starts training camp on the PUP list, and very well is on the PUP list once the season gets underway.

When the offseason began, Manningham seemed like a potential cap casualty candidate. That issue was resolved when Manningham restructured his contract a couple weeks ago. Manningham lowered his base salary from $3.6 million to $1.8 million. While he is not guaranteed a roster spot, getting this deal done likely means he'll be around through the season. He's another one we'll have to keep an eye on for news as training camp approaches.

Parys Haralson

Haralson entered 2012 expected to fill the utility outside linebacker role behind Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks. Haralson suffered a torn triceps in the preseason and was lost for the year. He went into the 2013 offseason with a cap figure that was a bit high for a guy who would be looking at backup work. And so, we had another restructuring done. Two weeks ago, Haralson and the 49ers agreed to lower his cap figure from $2.87 million to $1.3 million (with incentives potentially boosting it to $1.7 million).

The 49ers will need some fresh bodies behind Smith and Brooks in 2013. Haralson brings a veteran presence that will allow the team to continue bringing along Darius Fleming and Cam Johnson. I would not be surprised if one or both of Fleming or Johnson surpass Haralson by the end of the 2013 season, but Haralson will at the very least buy the team a year of development time.

Aldon Smith

A little over two weeks ago, we learned that Aldon had surgery in late February for a torn labrum reportedly suffered around Week 11. Aldon was on the injury list starting in Week 12, listed with a shoulder injury that was never discussed. His numbers took a downturn shortly after this, and one has to imagine the labrum combined with Justin Smith's own triceps injury took their toll.

Coach Harbaugh believes Aldon will be back in time for training camp, and given that he's been involved in MMA training and dodgeball with kids, the injury is hopefully not too serious.

Justin Smith

The 49ers all-world defensive lineman suffered a tear of his triceps in Week 15 against the New England Patriots, and the 49ers' defense suffered with his absence the final two and a half weeks of the regular season. Justin was able to return for the playoffs, but even then there was a noticeable impact. The defense was simply not the same when he was not at 100%.

At the NFL Combine, Trent Baalke spoke with the media, and he said that Justin had successful surgery on his triceps and was expecting a short rehab period. The team expected him back in time for the start of training camp.

Demarcus Dobbs (Editor's update)

I forgot to include Demarcus Dobbs. The 49ers defensive lineman/tight end/special teamer suffered partial tears of his MCL and PCL in December. Dobbs told the media he would not require surgery. I have seen nothing since then, and I'll just file that under no news is good news.