49ers injury report: Frank Gore banged up heading into stretch of one game in 23 days

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up a brutal, hard fought 13-6 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, and while there are some bumps and bruises, the 49ers appeared to get out of the game relatively unscathed. The big "injury" of note is Frank Gore, but even that does not sound like a huge issue.

The 49ers went with Kendall Hunter over the final two drives as Gore was wincing in pain. There were some conflicting reports during and after the game, but for now it sounds like Gore took a shot to the back in the second quarter and it caused some bruised ribs. Gore said the x-rays were negative, so it likely is just a matter of getting some rest for the ribs.

The good news for the 49ers is that they do get some time to recuperate from a black-and-blue style game. The 49ers face the Cardinals on Monday Night Football next week, but then have a bye the following week before hosting the St. Louis Rams in Week 10. That means that following last night's win, the 49ers play one game in 23 days. I realize there can be some concern about rust, but I prefer to look at the glass as half full and consider all the time to take the team into the shop and look under the hood.

The 49ers are 5-2 and in solid enough shape as far as the standings are concerned. However, with two big divisional games the next three weeks, followed by a big game against the Bears, the next two weeks could prove crucial in setting up for the stretch run of this season. The team is relatively healthy at this point, but you know the bumps and bruises are starting to add up. That combined with the chance to retool and get ready for the next stretch, and this is a chance to make-or-break the season.