49ers RB Gore might lose short-yardage job
Written by: Dennis Georgatos ¦ 9/26/2006
Source: www.mercurynews.com
Rookie running back Michael Robinson is being considered for short-yardage and goal-line situations because of Frank Gore's fumbling problems, 49ers Coach Mike Nolan said Monday. ``That's something we're discussing right now,'' Nolan said. ``It's something that could possibly happen.''
Gore has lost a goal-line fumble in each of the past two games. His fumble Sunday was returned 98 yards for a touchdown, a 14-point swing in a 38-24 loss to Philadelphia.
``In the field of play, Frank is a very secure ball carrier -- at least he has been,'' Nolan said. ``Down on the goal line both times, he was hit and turned around and they punched the ball out. That's correctable, but it also lends its way to giving another back an opportunity on the goal line and in short yardage to carry that ball.''
Robinson, a fourth-round draft pick from Penn State, scored two touchdowns Sunday from 1 yard after Gore was injured on the third-quarter fumble.
``One of the things down in there, when you've got to get the tough yard, Michael Robinson is a bigger back,'' Nolan said. ``He could take some of the hits off Frank.'' Robinson is 6-foot-1, 218 pounds; Gore is 5-9 and 212.
Gore was taken to a hospital, where X-rays showed bruised ribs. He was listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Kansas City, although Nolan said he anticipated Gore would be available.
A day later, Gore clearly was still bothered by the fumble. He spoke barely above a whisper when addressing reporters and left the locker room cursing himself.
``I was upset that I didn't finish up,'' Gore said. ``I fumbled again, in a critical situation, and I hurt the team. It happened now. I can't take it away. I can't take it back. I just have to try my best to not keep making the same mistakes.''
Gore conceded that ``things haven't been going my way on the goal line or in short yardage'' and said he understands Nolan's concerns and the possibility that he could be replaced in those situations.
``Whatever Coach Nolan wants to do, I'm fine with it,'' Gore said. ``All I can do is my job whenever they call my number. That's all I can do. All I can do right now is keep working to better myself.''
http://www.mercurynews.com
Written by: Dennis Georgatos ¦ 9/26/2006
Source: www.mercurynews.com
Rookie running back Michael Robinson is being considered for short-yardage and goal-line situations because of Frank Gore's fumbling problems, 49ers Coach Mike Nolan said Monday. ``That's something we're discussing right now,'' Nolan said. ``It's something that could possibly happen.''
Gore has lost a goal-line fumble in each of the past two games. His fumble Sunday was returned 98 yards for a touchdown, a 14-point swing in a 38-24 loss to Philadelphia.
``In the field of play, Frank is a very secure ball carrier -- at least he has been,'' Nolan said. ``Down on the goal line both times, he was hit and turned around and they punched the ball out. That's correctable, but it also lends its way to giving another back an opportunity on the goal line and in short yardage to carry that ball.''
Robinson, a fourth-round draft pick from Penn State, scored two touchdowns Sunday from 1 yard after Gore was injured on the third-quarter fumble.
``One of the things down in there, when you've got to get the tough yard, Michael Robinson is a bigger back,'' Nolan said. ``He could take some of the hits off Frank.'' Robinson is 6-foot-1, 218 pounds; Gore is 5-9 and 212.
Gore was taken to a hospital, where X-rays showed bruised ribs. He was listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Kansas City, although Nolan said he anticipated Gore would be available.
A day later, Gore clearly was still bothered by the fumble. He spoke barely above a whisper when addressing reporters and left the locker room cursing himself.
``I was upset that I didn't finish up,'' Gore said. ``I fumbled again, in a critical situation, and I hurt the team. It happened now. I can't take it away. I can't take it back. I just have to try my best to not keep making the same mistakes.''
Gore conceded that ``things haven't been going my way on the goal line or in short yardage'' and said he understands Nolan's concerns and the possibility that he could be replaced in those situations.
``Whatever Coach Nolan wants to do, I'm fine with it,'' Gore said. ``All I can do is my job whenever they call my number. That's all I can do. All I can do right now is keep working to better myself.''
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