For the past few season the San Francisco 49ers offense has lived and died by the play of Frank Gore. When he gets hurt they struggle, but when he's healthy they flourish. But now with Frank the Tank's status in question this weekend against the Philadelphia Eagles, he's not letting on at all about his hurting ankle or if he can play this Sunday in Philly.
"I don't know, man," Gore said. "I really don't know. If I can't go, I can't go."
The Eagles currently rank 30th in the NFL in rush defense, allowing a shade over 130 yards a game through the first three weeks of the season. Conversely, Gore has just 148 yards on 59 carries for 2.5 yard average per carry. Many have wondered if Frank's age is gaining on him, his high mileage style of play is catching up with him, or the offensive line has been ineffective in opening running lanes; which may all be the case. But Anthony Dixon and rookie Kendall Hunter are ready to go as his backups, which Frank apparently has no problem with.
"Me, Kendall or Anthony Dixon, I think whoever's in there should have a pretty good game. Philly loves to get up the field. They're real fast. I just hope I'm in there. But if I'm not, I hope the next guy in there will do the job."
Seems that Frank is buying into the new team mentality under Jim Harbaugh, and has confidence is his counterparts in the backfield. Hopefully they can prove him right this Sunday.
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