49ers beat writer Bill Williamson was asked how many carries RB Frank Gore will get: "Right now, I’d probably guess Gore would get about 220 carries. The 49ers are paying him $6.4 million, so they think he can still help, even though he is 31 and is entering the final year of his contract. Rookie Carlos Hyde and Marcus Lattimore, if he can stay healthy, will take carries. But Gore is still Gore. He will have a role. Gore had 276 carries last season, which was the third-most in his nine-season career. He is a trusted resource for the 49ers. Don’t expect to see a dramatic carry decrease."
Gore has finished in the top 13 in three straight seasons, but he has turned 31 and has rookie Carlos Hyde and second-year RB Marcus Lattimore to deal with. Gore faded down the stretch, averaging just 8.5 fantasy points per game (3.8 YPC) after the team's Week 9 bye (including the playoffs). Prior to the bye, he averaged 14.2 PPG and a 4.2 YPC. We're expecting the 49ers to move to a committee with Gore in the lead role as long as he's healthy. He could post 270-plus carries again if Hyde and/or Lattimore aren't ready to play. Don't forget about Kendall Hunter -- he's capable and is still in the mix.
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