Frank Gore Injury: Should Fantasy Owners Start or Sit 49ers RB in Week 4?

According to Fox Sports' John Czarnecki, Frank Gore is likely to be inactive vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.  Gore is suffering from an ankle injury, which has limited his mobility.  Whether Gore starts or not, he won't be playing at 100 percent.

For Gore fantasy owners, this is a familiar storyline, as he always seems to be battling some injuries.  Gore is an effective running back, with the ability to have big games.  However, he has been unable to remain healthy.  Each week, it appears as though Gore is battling some sort of injury.

Gore owners should closely monitor the inactives list today.  If you're stuck having to set your lineup early, you should avoid starting Gore.  His status is a tricky situation, as he has a favorable matchup against the Eagles.

Philadelphia has struggled stopping the run, making any San Francisco running back an attractive play.  If Gore were healthy, he would be among the top-ranked running backs.  His favorable matchup will only raise the frustration level of Gore owners.

Gore's backup, Kendall Hunter, would be a good replacement option.  During the preseason, Hunter showed a lot of promise.  He will likely get the majority of the carries for a 49ers team that loves to run the football. 

Jim Harbaugh will not abandon the run just because Gore is injured.

As for Gore owners, this could be a sign to try to unload the running back.  I would argue that his fantasy value isn't very high.  He is on a team lacking offensive firepower. 

Defenses know that Harbaugh likes to play conservative and run the ball.  Alex Smith doesn't scare any defensive coordinators, meaning more defenders will be committed to stopping the run.

The lack of offense in San Francisco, combined with another injury, makes Gore a questionable play.  I feel he is a questionable play every week, not just today.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on Twitter @Jon_Dove42.