49ers' Gore a game-time decision
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Frank Gore missed another practice Friday, but the 49ers kept a glimmer of hope that the running back would be ready to face the St. Louis Rams.
Gore put in his most extensive work since suffering a sprained ankle Dec. 7.
It wasn't much. Gore tested the injury under the supervision of the team's training staff.
"He just warmed up a little more, stretched it a little bit more," Coach Mike Singletary said. "We're hoping for the best. He's had a lot of rest this week and last week. Hopefully, we can get some response there."
Singletary listed Gore's status as questionable and said it would be a game-time decision. That was the same scenario heading into last weekend's game against Miami, when Gore didn't even bother suiting up.
Gore needs 22 rushing yards to become the first 49ers running back to reach 1,000 for a third straight season. The 49ers might be tempted to hold him off St. Louis' artificial surface and let the running back return for the season finale against the Washington Redskins on Dec. 28 at Candlestick Park.
If Gore can't go this week, the 49ers say they are comfortable with DeShaun Foster, who was solid as the starter against the Dolphins. Foster had 18 carries for 76 yards.
"I thought he was outstanding. I wish we could have gotten him the ball a little bit more," offensive coordinator Mike Martz said. "He had some runs where he just moved the whole pile."
Players credit some of the 49ers' recent improved play to Singletary's decision to simplify things on defense. After years of indecisiveness over their base alignment, the 49ers are almost exclusively a 3-4 team.
"We're basically sticking with what we do well," defensive end Justin Smith said.
At the beginning of the season, Smith lined up all over the field — linebacker, end, nose guard. Lately, he is just lining up as right end. That plan gives more playing time to linebacker Parys Haralson, who has a team-high seven sacks in eight starts.
"It's basically a way to keep Parys Haralson on the field, and I definitely don't have a problem with that," Smith said. "He's playing really good football and deserves to be out there starting like he is."
The road doesn't look quite as daunting as it did earlier in the season. According to Stats, Inc., home teams went 74-42 (.638) over the first eight weeks. Since Week 9, road teams hold a 54-53-1 record (.505).
In other injury news, tackle Adam Snyder (ankle) practiced on a limited basis and is listed as questionable. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks (back) did not practice all week and is also listed as questionable.
Allen Rossum (ankle) is expected to return punts for the first time since Nov. 23. "He's good to go. Yes, sir," Singletary said.