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49ers beat writer Kevin Lynch reports HC Mike Nolan plans to "limit Frank Gore's carries in 2007." Gore reportedly heard this and got "miffed" about the idea because his goal is to rush for 2,000 yards. It seems like every coach plans to trim his stud RB's workload at this time of year. Sometimes it actually happens; but not right after you give your RB a new extension with $14 million in guaranteed money. Gore's an elite runner. Move along, nothing to see here...

49ers C Eric Heitmann had surgery on his broken right tibia and should be recovered in time for mini-camps in May. Heitmann, one of the best young linemen in the league this year, had started 45 straight games at center or guard.

49ers RB Frank Gore had a scary-slow start Thursday night in Seattle, sending his fantasy owners into a panic at halftime -- with only 34 rushing yards. The 49ers only got one 1st down in the first half. But in the 2nd half Gore exploded for 110 yards and a TD catch from Alex Smith. His 40-yard scamper in the 4th quarter broke Seattle's back. Gore finished with 178 total yards and solidified his place among the top-5 fantasy backs. We did notice Gore limping off at the end of the game as trainers were checking his right foot -- but when the last seconds ticked off he was walking the sidelines, laughing and shouting. The 49ers have a juicy home game vs. Arizona next week...

49ers RB Frank Gore (leg) was upgraded to probable. He's just crazy like that...

49ers RB Frank Gore left in the 4th quarter with a leg injury and didn't return. They did stadium X-rays on his ankle athat were negative but he's being examined more today. "The 49ers said Gore hurt his ankle, while Gore pointed to his lower shin as the affected area," reports the Chronicle. "I'm all right," he said. "It would have felt real good if we won. We're going to stay focused." Gore racked up another 134 yards and a TD and is battling for the rushing title with 1,177 yards, just behind Larry Johnson (1,202), and ahead of LaDainian Tomlinson (1,146). Gore also tied a team record by matching ex-49ers RBs Garrison Hearst ('98) and Roger Craig ('88) with his 6th 100-yard rushing game of the season.

49ers HC Mike Nolan said RB Frank Gore (concussion) will play Sunday vs. Seattle after passing precautionary medical tests. "He said he felt a little lightheaded, but I think he'll be fine," Nolan said.

49ers HC Mike Nolan on RB Frank Gore (concussion): "He's doing fine, he did some individuals [drills]. Typically we back off Frank on Wednesdays anyway. We've got a couple days to see where he's at."

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ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports Frank Gore (concussion) has been cleared to play. He's good to go.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports RB Frank Gore has fumbled in 4 straight games and oppponents have scored 20 points off them. Ouch. It reminds us of Tiki Barber's past struggles holding the football. You know, if Bill Parcells was coaching this team Gore would be deactivated. Luckily Mike Nolan is a bit more patient... but for how long?

49ers RB Frank Gore strained an abdominal muscle trying to push his way in at the goal line in the 3rd quarter. Not only did he fumble - for a 98-yard Eagles defensive touchdown - but TE Vernon Davis broke his leg on the same play. Gore will be very questionable for Week 4.

49ers RB Frank Gore injury is now termed "ribs" and not an abdominal strain. He'll be questionable for the Kansas City game.

49ers RB Frank Gore has a rib cartilage injury but practiced in all team drills Wednesday. He is questionable on the injury report. The rumors that rookie RB Michael Robinson will spell him more often - and take goal-line carries - are very believable. Let's wait for more news.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ribs) participated in all team drills Friday and was upgraded to probable. Big news for Gore-owners! HC Mike Nolan & OC Norv Turner have surely spent extra hours figuring out how to use Michael Robinson (near the goal line?) but for now Gore's stock remains rock-solid.

49ers LG Larry Allen sprained his left knee vs. Arizona and might be listed as doubtful for Week 2 vs. St. Louis. The only good news is that Allen left early - during the first series - and the 49ers O-line continued to play very well without him. Granted, the Cardinals aren't the Chicago Bears but Allen's replacement, 5th-year OG Tony Wragge (New Mexico State) did very well in the run and the pass. However, the Niners need Larry Allen back on the field and they know it.

Frank Gore popped the Arizona Cardinals for 170 total yards & 2 TDs. He's simply a powerful back with great speed. His day was highlighted by a 32-yard run on the first play of the game. Only 2 of his carries went for negative yards because the 49ers offensive line did a good job of sealing off blocks and getting an upfield push. LG Larry Allen (knee) is out for at least 2 games which kinda sucks. But this O-line is pretty deep (for the first time in 4 years) and Gore is a terrific #2 fantasy back. It's good to see this offense function without Kevan Barlow mucking it up.

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The San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier this evening that the 49ers traded RB Kevan Barlow to the Jets for an undisclosed draft choice. Frank Gore, who's now all alone in a Norv Turner offense, could seize this opportunity and run with it. Turner already helped make stars out of Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, Stephen Davis, Ricky Williams, and LaMont Jordan. Tonight vs. the Oakland Raiders Gore started and carried 7 times for 42 yards. As always, he created a couple 6-yard runs out of 3-yarders just on leg drive. Edgerrin James, LaDainian Tomlinson, and even Ahman Green for a few years, all made a career of running they way Gore does. He's a terrific back. His injury risk is an issue but we popped him into the top-20 RBs now that Barlow took the RBBC bug to New York with him.

Kevin Barlow started the 49ers' preseason opener vs. Chicago. His first carry went for 2 yards, then on the next play he got tagged by Bears CB Nathan Vasher in the flat and left with a thigh injury. Frank Gore came in and did his best Roger Craig impersonation, eating up yardage on the ground and through the air. He also found his blitzer each time. Overall Gore carried 10 times for 49 yards (with another 3-yarder called back), including a 1-yard TD, plus 5 catches for 32 yards. Gore's a special back who can only be stopped by an injury. As we said yesterday, we refuse to believe Kevan Barlow will be a factor this year. The 49ers fans don't like him, some teammates don't like him (read: ex-49ers fullback Fred Beasley), and we don't like him. We'll raise Gore's projections significantly if he performs like this next week at Oakland.