Frank Gore is preparing for reality. The running back understands that his time with the San Francisco 49ers could very realistically be coming to an end. With San Francisco mathematically eliminated from the postseason, Gore has one game left in a 49ers uniform as his contract expires at the end of the season. With the team preparing to clean house in multiple ways, Gore is being realistic about his chances of returning to San Francisco in 2015.
Gore has seen a smaller roll than he is used to in 2014. The running back's carries have been decreased along with the number of snaps he has played on. While there is no questioning that Gore is talented and can still be a constant threat on offense, the running back has not been the primary player he was just a year ago and his replacement appears to already be on the roster. Gore understands the bigger picture.
I've been thinking about it these last two weeks very hard," Gore said, via The Associated Press. "I'm OK. I was just thinking about, 'Dang, it really can be.' But I know the business of it. The organization has been great, they've been great to me. I just want to finish strong in front of my fans. Hopefully we can get a win, and I'll see from there."
Gore remains San Francisco's all-time leading rusher and needs just 38 yards in the finale against Arizona to get his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. It will be his eighth in his 10-year career. However, Gore is aging at 31 and San Francisco has younger players waiting to play. The team drafted Carlos Hyde last year and has been working him into the offense. Kendall Hunter will also return after signing an extension following a season-ending injury. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick knows that losing Gore could be a big hit to the 49ers in the future.
"I expect a lot out of Frank and there's not too much he does that amazes me anymore because that's just the standard he's set for himself," Kaepernick said. "He's a huge asset and I'm hoping he's back here. Feel a lot more comfortable with 21 in the backfield."
General manager Trent Baalke has been quiet about free agency intentions. Along with Gore, Michael Crabtree is working on an expired deal. Aldon Smith needs a contract. Vernon Davis held out in preseason seeking more money. Head coach Jim Harbaugh might be out via a trade. Gore has remained adamant that he wants to remain in San Francisco, but he does not know if he will be given the opportunity or not.
