49ers vs. Colts: Top 3 questions to answer for San Francisco in Week 5

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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) /

Will Frank Gore find success in his first game against San Francisco?

When Frank Gore left San Francisco following the 2014 season, he did so as the all-time leading rusher in 49ers history with 11,073 yards.

But truth be told, no one could have predicted the longevity Gore would have after the injuries he suffered during his collegiate career at Miami. In consecutive seasons in 2003 and 2004, Gore tore the ACL in his left knee. Many thought he would never play again in college, much less find his way to the NFL.

Yet 13 seasons and over 13,000 yards later, “Frank the Tank” is still chugging along. It is that dedication, perseverance and drive that Gore brought to the red and gold that made him a fan favorite. And it is that type of motivation that has him still grinding at the age of 34, when most running backs have long looked at retirement.

Gore mixes no words when speaking of his former team, telling the San Jose Mercury News this week, “I want to see them do great. I’ve been there 10 years. That’s what I bleed.”

“I want to see them do great. I’ve been there 10 years. That’s what I bleed.”- Frank Gore

But not Gore.

He is lining up in the backfield for a team that, much like his former team, is struggling early in the 2017 season with a 1-3 record.

Now, part of that is the fact franchise quarterback Andrew Luck has yet to see the field this season, as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. The other part is the overall lack of talent on both sides of the ball.

Even with the struggles of both teams, Gore will be facing the 49ers for the first time since his departure, and with the added motivation that his replacement in San Francisco, Carlos Hyde, is off to a great start in 2017, currently ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing with 321 yards and a 4.9 yards-per-carry average.

Both players will be looking to have an impact for their teams on Sunday to aid their QBs.

SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Indianapolis Colts hands off to running back Frank Gore #23 against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on October 1, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

With Luck out, the Colts have turned to second-year player Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense until Luck’s return. So far, the team has seen moderate success with Brissett, who has thrown two touchdowns and two interceptions and accumulated an 80.2 QBR.

Meanwhile, the 49ers have had good success running the ball despite quarterback Brian Hoyer’s disappointing season to date (two touchdowns and four interceptions, 67 QBR). Currently, they rank 19th in the league with 418 yards.

A solid game by Gore could go a long way in easing the pressure on Brissett, much as a big game by Hyde could keep Hoyer from having to shoulder the burden for San Francisco.

If there was a perfect storyline for the game, it is Gore has a nice, solid contribution, but the 49ers get their first win of the season.