49ers running back Frank Gore’s 2010 season ended in Week Twelve due to a fractured right hip. Soon after the injury, NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reported that the hip fracture “shouldn’t be a long-term issue.”
To this point, all indications point to La Canfora’s report holding strong. Gore did not need surgery, and on Friday evening his agent provided a positive update on the Niners’ franchise back.
“I watched Frank Gore work out and he is 100% healthy and fully recovered from his hip injury,” Drew Rosenhaus tweeted. “He’s never looked better.”
The 49ers have developed solid depth behind Gore just in case. Second-year back Anthony Dixon showed promise and power off the bench as a rookie, and the team used a fourth-round pick on small-but-versatile prospect Kendall Hunter from Oklahoma State.
Regardless, Gore will continue to be the Niners’ offensive centerpiece as they break in rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick behind underwhelming projected starter Alex Smith.
Though injuries have limited him to just one career 16-game season, Gore is averaging a robust 4.57 yards per carry over the past two seasons. He also excels as a receiving and blocking back.