49ers reporter Matt Maiocco writes: "I'm told former Rams coach Scott Linehan is definitely on the list of candidates for the 49ers' offensive-coordinator position. But no interview has yet been confirmed. To this point, I've heard no other names." Before his unsuccessful stint as the Rams head coach, Linehan directed the Dolphins offense in 2005 and raised their ranking from 29th to 14th. And of course, his Vikings offenses ranked 2nd, 1st, and 4th from 2002-04.  

The San Francisco 49ers have approximately $26 million in cap space as of January, landing them in the top-10 in salary cap room. Only 2 starters have expiring contracts. There are no unrestricted FAs that are must-keeps. The big question is what to do with QB Alex Smith. He's on the tab for a $9.6 million salary. If they release Smith they get hit with $5.3m in cap charges -- but it's a net cap savings of 4.3m. So far HC Mike Singletary seems open to keeping Smith as a backup to Shaun Hill. Smith, the former 1st overall pick, had surgery on his throwing shoulder but should be fine. He would have to take a pay cut though. Note: We posted a detailed Team-by-Team Salary Cap Report under Articles... it's easily the best salary cap breakdown on the internet today.

In a Q & A on the team's official website, 49ers GM Scot McCloughan hinted at a possible 2-back system next year. "A two running back system will work. I think nowadays you have to have that type of system in the NFL, especially with our approach on offense – being a physical running team. You don’t just need a change of pace guy, but you need two backs that can have production. If you just have one, you’re going to wear him down. It’s a long season so if you want to be a playoff contender and get to the Super Bowl, you’re going to need two backs to get there." Frank Gore is one of the few 3-down backs left in the league, and we don't foresee that changing next year. 

Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat reports: "In the chance [Frank] Gore suits up for the game, it seems unlikely he would have a big role in the game.  Look for DeShaun Foster to get his second start -- or at least a lot of playing time in Sunday's game." Maiocco is much less optimistic than the Sac Bee's Matt Barrows, who seems to think Gore will start. We'll know about 24 hours from now.

The latest news on Gore is that he will miss today's game at St. Louis. Make him an official scratch from your fantasy lineup.

Frank Gore (ankle) might play against the Redskins in order to get 22 yards for his 3rd straight 1,000-yard season. It will probably be a committee with DeShaun Foster.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) was listed as probable on the official injury report. "Running back Frank Gore went through a limited practice... Gore looked good today while running and making cuts. The club will likely make a game-time decision whether Gore will play Sunday," writes Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) ia active. He numbed up the ankle and will give it a go.

Niners Insider reports: "Mike Singletary said Thursday that Frank Gore (ankle) has a better chance of playing than Arnaz Battle (foot) Sunday in Miami."  Gore did not practice Wednesday or Thursday.  If he can't go DeShaun Foster will start.

49ers RB Frank Gore is questionable with his left ankle injury. He's a game-time decision at Miami, we'll know around Noon ET Sunday. We have a feeling Gore will numb it up and go because he's from Miami. He probably has 50 friends and family members coming to the game.

Adam Schefter writes: "Despite making the trip to Miami, San Francisco running back Frank Gore will not play Sunday versus the Dolphins."

Chrissy Mauck of 49ers.com reports: "It’s too early to know if Gore will get a chance to gain his needed 22 yards to reach a 1,000-yards rushing or not. If his ankle isn’t ready to hold up yet, he could be stuck in a cheering role for this entire rematch [vs. the Rams]."  Update: Frank Gore did not practice Wednesday.  

Frank Gore (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday. "It's coming along," Gore said. "It feels a whole lot better."  Mike Singletary said it was a game-time decision, straight up. He also added that the hard turf at St. Louis would factor into his decision. It looks DeShaun Foster will start again, but you never know. Gore needs 22 yards to hit 1,000 for the 3rd straight year.  

49ers RB Frank Gore had to be helped off the field early in the 3rd quarter vs. the Jets. Trainers looked at his ankle and then carted him to the locker room. Gore finished with 52 rushing yards, plus 3 catches for 13 yards and 1 TD. The official word is an "ankle sprain/contusion." The ankle X-rays were negative but ligament damage requires further testing. Gore was on crutches after the game. His fantasy owners should go ahead and write him off for week 15 at Miami.  DeShaun Foster is worth a pickup if you need a 15-carry guy.

49ers HC Mike Singletary admitted Frank Gore (ankle) was a game-time decision, calling his injury an "inside sprain." DeShaun Foster took 1st-team reps on Wednesday. Foster has only averaged 2.1 yards per carry in limited duty this year. It's an early game so Gore-owners can make a clean break if warranted.

Frank Gore (ankle) didn't practice again Thursday but did some light running on the side. "I feel better every day. If I can't cut, I won't be able to go. I'll see how it feels on Sunday," Gore said. Last year Gore was very questionable with a sprained ankle before the Seattle game in week 11. He suited up and carried 13 times for 72 yards. However, that was a Monday nighter with an extra day of rest. Stay tuned.

The Bills will be without DE Aaron Schobel, CB Jabari Greer, and SS Donte Whitner against the 49ers today.

Interesting clip from Pro Football Weekly on the 49ers' re-shuffled O-line: "David Baas has provided a more physical presence at left guard than Adam Snyder, who struggled at that position. But it looks like Snyder might have found a new home as the starter at right tackle the past two games... [with] Chilo Rachal figuring more prominently in the mix at right guard moving forward." This line has certainly improved, after allowing 19 sacks in the first 4 games. They've allowed 7 in the last 3 games. Frank Gore is finishing strong too with 4.6 per carry the last 5 weeks. The loss of veteran RT Jonas Jennings in September has made this group more dynamic.

The Press-Democrat's Matt Maiocco just reported on his blog: "Running back Frank Gore said today he still has a 'bad' headache from a concussion sustained late in Monday night's game against the Cardinals. Gore did not practice Wednesday, and he is not expected to practice today, either. The 49ers are scheduled to practice from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m."  Uh oh. Gore could be in trouble if he doesn't practice today. The west coast practice reports come in soon so we'll keep you posted. DeShaun Foster would be a knee-jerk fantasy grab that might pay off.

Updating the earlier report that Frank Gore has a concussion, 49ers reporter Matt Barrows just wrote: "Frank Gore told reporters earlier today that he suffered a concussion late in Monday's loss to Arizona and was still experiencing headaches, but minutes ago Mike Singletary insisted that was not the case."  Huh? Apparently HC Mike Singletary is calling it a neck strain and says Gore will play. "Frank Gore is a football player. He does not know what a concussion is," Singletary said. "It may feel like a concussion. I talked to Fergie (trainer Jeff Ferguson) who is one of the finest trainers in the country."