Frank Gore isn't a forgotten man in 49ers offense

Just because the 49ers are moving toward the spread offense, it doesn't mean they're putting their bell cow out to pasture.

Coach Mike Singletary met with Frank Gore recently to assure him of his place in the 49ers offense. Singletary said he knows from experience that frustration tends to go up as the statistical totals go down.

"Any great player that I've been around — whether it's Walter Payton, whether it's Jerry Rice — when they're not getting the ball, they feel like they're not contributing," Singletary said. "They feel like they're not a part of it.

"I've talked to all of our guys and had them understand that we need to understand that, going forward, everybody will have their part in the success."

Gore has topped 20 carries in a game only once since sustaining an ankle injury Sept. 27. The 49ers threw 41 times last week, and Alex Smith's success in the spread offense has meant a shift away from the running game.

Offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye had memorably described Gore as the "bell cow of our operation." But Gore had 59 rushing yards against Green Bay two weeks ago and only 33 against Jacksonville on Sunday. Still, he's in the mix. Gore is the first 49ers player to score a touchdown in five consecutive weeks since Terrell Owens did it in 2001.

"If we're winning, it's good with me," he said. "Whenever my number is called, I'll do my best."



(insidebayarea.com)