49ers vs. Colts: 5 key storylines to watch for San Francisco

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 20: Frank Gore #23 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 1: A Reunion with Former 49ers Running Back Frank Gore

Needless to say, fans’ attention will be focused on former 49ers running back Frank Gore.

Gore, the Niners’ all-time leading rusher, will square off against his old squad for the first time since departing via free agency in 2015.

Despite spending the last two-plus seasons with the Colts, Gore still has strong feelings for San Francisco.

The San Jose Mercury News‘ Cam Inman listened in on a conference call Gore had with Bay Area media, and this is what the veteran had to say:

"I’d been there 10 years. That’s what I bleed. I want to see [the 49ers] do good. … What y’all think about the 49ers, man? They’re going in the right direction. They’re really play tough, man. I like their coaching staff and what they’re doing offensively. I like that D-line, they play hard. The safety No. 29 (Jaquiski Tartt) is around the ball a lot. … Jed (York) did a great job picking the guys he picked to run the team."

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Gore is ranked eighth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list (13,256 yards) and needs only four more yards to surpass Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson for sole possession of seventh place.

Barring injury or setback, it’s pretty obvious Gore will do that against the Niners in Week 5, and San Francisco fans will be tremendously happy for him.

Just as long as the 49ers win in the end, of course.

Next: 49ers progress-report grades for each position a quarter through 2017

The Niners and Colts kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 8 from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.