Frank Gore Injury: Why San Francisco Needs Their Star Running Back Sunday

The San Francisco 49ers are going up against a Philadelphia Eagles defense that will have a chip on their shoulder after being beat in consecutive weeks, and the 49ers need their top running back, Frank Gore, on the field if they have a chance.

Gore hasn’t been having the year everyone thought he would, but the mediocre Eagles run defense can be exploited by a powerful back like Gore, as long as he is healthy.

The difference between Gore in and out of the lineup for the 49ers is the same as it was for the St. Louis Rams and Steven Jackson against the Eagles in Week 1 of the season.

Injury Update

After an ankle injury that had Gore limited in practice and taking less carries last week, the team is fully expecting Gore to go on Sunday against the porous Philadelphia run defense.

While he has been stifled all year, the poor tackling of the linebackers of the Eagles will allow the powerful back to explode for a big game.

When's He Ready To Return?

With some practice this week, there is little-to-no doubt that Gore is going to make an attempt to be a factor against the Eagles, but the extent of his impact on the field still has to be seen.

An ankle injury can kill a running back’s career, but if there is any back that can come out of this injury looking great, it would be Frank Gore.

Fantasy Impact

The San Francisco 49ers are very dedicated to the run game, and if Gore gets on the field against the Philadelphia run defense that hasn’t been able to stop anyone, he will run all over them.

With serious offensive line issues and a terrible quarterback, defenses have been able to stifle the only thing the 49ers have going for them, but if there was any week to start the running back, this would be it.

What They're Saying

49ers Insider for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Matt Maiocco said on twitter regarding Gore’s injury:

49ers offensive lineman Adam Snyder told the San Francisco Chronicle about the idea of playing in Philadelphia:

"

I think it would show the teams in the league that we are a contender. Any time you go to a venue like Philly, you're going to get a tough game. They're a good team. They've been a good team for a long time, and these are important games for us to win.

"

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