Frank Gore expected to play vs. Chargers

The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with numerous injuries, but it sounds like Frank Gore is expected to be available Saturday evening against the San Diego Chargers. Ian Rapoport is reporting Gore will play. He suffered a concussion on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks but has progressed through the concussion protocol. He missed Wednesday's practice, and was limited on Thursday and Friday.

Saturday could very well mark the penultimate game of Frank Gore's career with the 49ers. He is currently sitting at 10,771 career rushing yards, leaving him 196 yards short of Warrick Dunn for No. 20 all time (and 1,000 for the season), and 229 yards short of 11,000 yards. Gore would need to average 114.5 yards per game to reach 11,000, and 98 per game to reach Dunn. He has two games over 100 yards this season (119 vs. Eagles, 107 vs. Chiefs), and is averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry. I don't expect him to reach the number, but maybe he has a couple big games left in him (and the necessary carries!).

The 49ers running back depth chart includes Gore, Alfonso Smith and Phillip Tanner. Smith and Tanner will probably get special teams work, but not much else. They might rest Gore here and there, but I'd hope they give him whatever carries they can to potentially close out his 49ers career