Progress for Gore: He can sleep on side

More evidence that bruised ribs are far more painful than they sound: Running back Frank Gore had to sleep sitting up in bed after he took a helmet-to-the-ribs shot from Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner last week.

Gore, who termed it the most painful injury he’s played through, also had difficulty taking deep breaths in the aftermath of a 13-6 win over Seattle. Four days after sustaining the injury, though, he went though Monday’s non-contact practice and expressed optimism that he’ll play on Oct. 29 at Arizona.

“It’s a lot better, just take it a day at a time,” Gore said. “I feel like I should be alright.”

Bruised ribs typically take several weeks to heal completely and Gore said “little movements here and there” are still painful, although he can now sleep on his side.

With a bye week following the 49ers’ visit to Arizona, Gore would have a chance to heal completely if he missed the Monday night game.

Not surprisingly, Gore is instead planning to make his 24th straight start.

“(I’ll) keep getting my treatment,” he said, “and I’ll be fine.”


(sfgate.com)