San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore has been dealing with ankle and knee injuries the last couple weeks and missed practice Sunday reportedly because of the knee issue. Thursday before practice, Gore told the media that his day off from practice was strictly for rest, and not related to a knee he hyperextended against the Giants. He plans to practice Thursday and Friday and play like normal on Sunday.

The 49ers face the Arizona Cardinals in week eleven and will look to exploit a weak Cardinals rush defense. Kendall Hunter is the primary backup running back and received a healthy dose of carries when Gore left Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

If the 49ers are able to grab an early lead against the Cardinals, it would not be at all surprising to see Hunter get some additional carries. While Gore likes to get his touches, he has also acknowledged a willingness to give up some carries if it helps the team win. Gore claims he was just resting, but the knee bothered him enough for the 49ers to keep him on the sideline for much of the second half this past Sunday. I suspect they'll be careful with him this week as well.

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