Kendall Hunter has taken a step closer to returning to the practice field with the San Francisco 49ers.
The running back, who has been recovering from an Achilles injury, has been taken off the NFC West side's physically unable to perform list.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury during the 49ers game against the New Orleans Saints in November and is expected to be ready to play during the first week of the 2013 season.
Hunter recorded 371 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns for the Super Bowl runners-up last season.
