Frank Gore leads former 49ers on offense toiling elsewhere

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers' roster was decimated this offseason by retirements and free agency, let alone the 49ers themselves parting ways with a player or two.

So with San Francisco on their bye week, what better time to check in on some of those high-profile players?

It is interesting to note that while only two of those who left are with teams boasting winning records, their combined winning percentage of .440 is still better than the 49ers' .333 that comes with a 3-6 mark.

Courtesy of my ESPN.com NFL Nation brethren, here are some thoughts on the more offensively-minded players now toiling elsewhere (the defensive players will be posted later this afternoon):

RB Frank Gore (Indianapolis Colts): Gore has exceeded expectations during his first season in Indianapolis. He leads the team in rushing with 599 yards and four touchdowns. Gore's ability to still burst through holes has him on pace for his ninth season of at least 1,000 yards rushing. "I don't feel like I'm 32 [years old]," Gore said. "My body has me feeling like I'm in my 20's still." -- Mike Wells

LG Mike Iupati (Arizona Cardinals): He's been a major reason why the Cardinals' running game has improved from 3.29 yards per carry last season to 4.5 this year. When Iupati is on the field, Arizona averages 4.86 yards per carry. The Cardinals have also run for 261 yards behind him, the most for any offensive line position this season.-- Josh Weinfuss

WR Michael Crabtree (Oakland Raiders): Crabtree has been fantastic. He is on pace for 94 catches, 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. All would be career highs. He will be attractive on the free-agent market. The Raiders want him back. -- Bill Williamson

WR Stevie Johnson (San Diego Chargers): In his first season with the Chargers, Johnson's been effective and had an impact when healthy. Johnson's third on the team in targets (45) and catches (31), and fourth in receiving yards (351). He also has two receiving touchdowns on the year. Johnson missed two games this season with a hamstring injury. -- Eric Williams


(espn.com)