Matt Maiocco had a chance to speak with 49ers running back Frank Gore (it appears to be yesterday), and Gore was able to provide an update on his injury situation. After some reports came out a few weeks ago that Gore was already starting to run, we've now received some conflicting reports that he'll actually be cleared to start running on February 28. Apparently he's been doing mostly pool work-outs and some weight work. I suppose he could have been running in the pool to make that previous report accurate, but who really knows at this point.
Either way, in the video with Maiocco below, Gore indicates he's completely healed from the hip injury and he's excited about what new 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has in store for the offense. Implementation of the West Coast Offense would be fairly ideal for a running back with the skills Frank Gore possesses. He's been an integral part of the passing game, due in part to various checkdowns. However, his work in the WCO could be a significant boon for Gore as he enters the final year of his current contract.
It remains to be seen how much time Frank Gore has left where he can be the work-horse running back, but if his hip is fully-healed, I don't see why he can't have a monster season in 2011.