Gore Injury Fantasy Impact
Broken bones are never a good thing, but Frank Gore’s broken hand comes at the best time possible. Our third-ranked running back could be back at practice as early as next week, so he’s not going to get out of condition.
The 49ers will probably be very cautious with Gore by holding him out of the preseason because they have nothing to gain by playing him. LaDainian Tomlinson didn’t have a single carry in August last season. The preseason is largely meaningless for most establishing running backs, an exercise in taking a few hits while trying to stay healthy.
Gore could probably play if he had to. It’s hard to know for sure, since every broken bone is different, but many NFL players are able to return from similar injuries quickly. Arnaz Battle played through a broken bone in his hand late last season. Ronnie Brown, on the other hand, missed three games after breaking his hand on Thanksgiving.
Brown’s example is instructive. The reason we’re not concerned about this injury for Gore is because it has no long-term affects. The bone will heal, there is no ligament or knee damage to worry about. When Brown returned last season, perhaps refreshed, he ran for 225 yards in his final two games.
The only concern with Gore is that he’s injury-prone. Both of his knees and shoulders have been repaired, although he’s only missed two games as a pro. That history, along with San Francisco’s offense, are the reasons I have Gore ranked behind Steven Jackson. This injury isn’t enough for me to move him any lower.
With a little help from his teammates, Gore has a good chance to compete for the league MVP this season and be the top-scoring fantasy player. Only LaDainian Tomlinson is more talented as a runner. Don’t let this injury affect your projection for him. If it affects other owners, swoop in to reap the rewards.
Update: I've received a few responses on this which has me thinking... Do you think this injury affects Gore's Average Draft Position? Would you take him lower?
Comments
I have Gore as a fifth round keeper in a max five keeper league where you cannot keep more than 1 player who was drafted in rounds 1-3. I also have Maroney as a 9th and Jerious Norwood as a 16th. I have the 6th pick of the first round, do you guys think I should take a RB with my first pick, or should I try and take a stud receiver like Steve Smith, Chad Johnson, etc., and take a RB with one of my two third round picks? (My second round pick is used on keeping Peyton). My only other keeper is Andre Johnson as a 4th rounder.
RIght now I'm not worried about Gore, but I may lean toward building more depth at RB within the first three rounds because of this injury.
Posted by: Cory | July 31, 2007 10:38 AM
Gore's injury will make some owners panick and let him fall a little. It's funny how people overreact on Gores's Hand but are fine with T.O.s hand injury.
Posted by: GQ1NYC | July 31, 2007 02:50 PM
I'd be worried that an injury to Gore's dominant hand might make his fumbling problem worse. He lost some goalline carries to it last year, and I can't imagine him having a better grip on the ball after breaking his hand...
I still would take him near the top, but I'd be worried about a decrease in red zone chances.
Posted by: Steve | August 1, 2007 10:04 AM