Running back Frank Gore still holds out hope that he can play Sunday when the 49ers go to his hometown of Miami to face the Dolphins.
The truth is that it still doesn't look good. He is not going to practice today, but at least he is off crutches. He had crutches Monday and Tuesday. He tossed the crutches aside Wednesday.
"I feel better every day," Gore said. He is still walking gingerly, though. Gore said his ankle sprain is similar to the one that kept him out of last year's game at Atlanta. The 49ers training staff is treating Gore's left ankle sprain with ice, massaging and stretching, Gore said.
"If I can't cut, I won't be able to go," Gore said. He said he needs to be able to protect himself from avoiding big hits.
"I'll see how it feels on Sunday."
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When the 49ers break the huddle, they expect Dolphins outside linebacker Joey Porter to line up away from tight end Vernon Davis. Coach Mike Singletary said "98 percent of the time" Porter goes to the side of the formation that does not have the tight end.
But don't think that Davis and Porter, who leads the NFL with 16.5 sacks, will not square off from time to time on Sunday. The 49ers can motion Davis to Porter's side to dictate that matchup.
And it should be an interesting matchup whenever it happens. After all, Singletary this week called Davis the best-blocking tight end he has ever seen.
Most of the time when you think about putting a tight end on the league's sack leader, the word "mismatch" comes to mind. But, obviously, Davis believes he'll be able to hold his own against Porter.
"No, I don't feel that way," Davis said of a mismatch. "I've gone up against the best. I'm pretty sure I've gone up against a lot of linebackers-slash-D ends who were better than him and I've pretty much won every battle. . . . I'm pretty sure he's a competitive guy, as well."
Porter is known for trash-talking on the field. Davis has been the target of a lot of talking this season, especially after Seahawks safety Brian Russell goaded him into a penalty -- prompting Singletary to bench him and banish him to the locker room.
That episode has given trash-talkers more material to use against Davis, he said. He said one line he's heard from the opposition is, "I'm going to tell Singletary to tell you to go to the locker room."
As far as allowing himself to lose control of his emotions during a game, Davis said, "I learned from that. I won't let it happen to me ever again."
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Matt, this guy is amazing (you're not so bad yourself...)!
Wasn't it you who saw him hobbling around the complex midweek and commented that it'd be a miracle if he played that weekend? Yep, he played and played well. Be nice to have him, but the bigger picture is more important.
That "hobbling" incident was earlier in the season. (Worryingly) forgot to put that in above.
NO DOUBT TJ. Gore is the ULTIMATE WARRIOR. Even when we're losing you never here any bitching from the guy. Last year when our Offense was non-existent & we were so desperate for some production Gore was the one that kept us with any hope & back then he was hampered with the same injury plus some others & still willed himself through them. As badly as he wants this game we've got guys that should be up to the challenge. I say give him the rest, there's no need to risk him out there. Foster has to step up & I'd really like to see Clayton finally get the taste of the NFL. It's been awesome to finally use Gore with us being on the winning side lately thanks to Coach Singletary & the Staff.
Gore should rest and allow the fans to see what clayton can do...
CLAYTON ADVOCATES -- Why all these calls for Clayton? What has he done to generate these advocates for his playing time? Matt, cast some light on this issue, please!
Q: Why all these calls for Clayton? What has he done to generate these advocates for his playing time?
My response: Ah, a very good question. Clayton has led the 49ers in rushing both of the past two exhibition seasons. In '07, he led the NFL with 200 yards on 45 carries. This summer, he gained 186 yards and a touchdown on 42 rushing attempts. In '07, he did most -- if not all of his damage -- against fellow third-stringers. This summer, he had a strong showing against the Bears' No. 1 defense. He has been on the 49ers' practice squad for two seasons, and no club has stepped forward with an offer to place him on their 53-man roster . . . yet. --Matt M.
....and because he has been working his butt off...
Frank Gore is the face of the 49ers. I hope he gets himself healed and ready for when the team breaks out.
I thought Jed York was the face of the franchise...
ha!
Quite a few teams are featuring two running backs to share the load. The Carolina Panthers are a good example. The Giants use three backs pretty equally. I feel the Niners should get a second quality back to prolong Gore's career. Foster is not the answer. Someone like Javon Ringer from Michigan State would be a good one, but that's probably unrealistic considering the team's needs. Nevertheless, if the plan is to make the Niners into a running team, they need a second back.
"I'm going to tell Singletary to tell you to go to the locker room."
-That one is great, thanks Matt!