There may be changes to a San Francisco 49ers running game that
ranks 29th in the league after three weeks, but coach Jim Harbaugh
on Monday indicated that the starting tailback would not be one of
them.
Frank Gore injured his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s
13-8 win over the Bengals, and he mostly watched as his backup,
rookie Kendall Hunter, took part in a decisive fourth-quarter drive
and scored on a seven-yard run, the only touchdown of the game for
either team.
By Matthew Barrows – McClatchy Newspapers
BOARDMAN, Ohio
There may be changes to a San Francisco 49ers running game that ranks 29th in the league after three weeks, but coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday indicated that the starting tailback would not be one of them.
Frank Gore injured his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday’s 13-8 win over the Bengals, and he mostly watched as his backup, rookie Kendall Hunter, took part in a decisive fourth-quarter drive and scored on a seven-yard run, the only touchdown of the game for either team.
Harbaugh, however, said Gore was not in an orthopedic boot – an indication of a serious high-ankle sprain – and that Gore was still the team’s starter.
“In my mind right now, Frank is good to go,” Harbaugh said.
The situation is more volatile at right guard where Chilo Rachal started Sunday’s game in Cincinnati but Adam Snyder finished it. Rachal committed three penalties – one was declined – and gave up two sacks in the first half. By the second half, Rachal only entered the game when the 49ers went to their heavy-personnel packages in short-yardage situations.
Although Rachal, a second-round draft pick in 2008, has been the de facto starter throughout training camp and the preseason, the 49ers have worked Snyder at right guard throughout training camp, including an occasional series in the 49ers’ first two games.
Who’s the 49ers starting right guard Sunday against the Eagles in Philadelphia?
“To be determined,” Harbaugh said. “There’s a competition there.”
While the 49ers are 2-1 and alone atop the NFC West, they have gotten there despite an offense that ranks last in the NFL in average yards per game. Their defense ranks seventh.
That the passing game hasn’t put up big numbers is understandable. Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman simply haven’t dialed up many passing plays. The 49ers attempted only 74 throws in three games, the second fewest in the league.
The running woes, however, are more troublesome.
Heading into Monday night’s game, the 49ers ranked seventh in rushing attempts – 85 total – yet are averaging only 69.7 yards a game on the ground.
Asked repeatedly about Rachal, Harbaugh bristled and indicated that the offensive problems are a unit-wide issue. He said the offensive line would get plenty of feedback this week from coaches.
“I don’t feel inclined to have them read about it as well,” he said. “We’re working at it.”
Harbaugh likened Sunday’s game to a trip “to the dentist,” but praised his players for their resilience.
“I’m excited about a young ballclub and the character they showed,” he said. “The patience of the players and coaches and the resolve that was shown. That’s good for a football team in a character-building way.”
The 49ers on Sunday played without fullback Moran Norris, who is out with a leg injury. Bruce Miller started in his place and Harbaugh said that the rookie, who played defensive end in college, was going through “a learning curve” as a blocker.
Miller had four catches for 25 yards but fumbled his only rushing attempt.
Isaac Sopoaga, the team’s 330-pound nose tackle, also moonlighted as a fullback in short-yardage situations.
“There’ve been some suggestions from players,” Harbaugh said of Sopoaga’s involvement on offense. “With (Sopoaga’s) rugby background, ‘Get him in there.’ I’ve seen him on the field do some athletic things. He did a good job and was excited doing it. He fulfilled his assignment and then some.”
