49ers vs. Packers: Offense Introducing Thunder & Lightning

With a short week for the 49ers, Mike Singletary met with the media again (transcript after the jump).  The discussion was around the absence of Frank Gore and what that means as far as how the new running backs will be used.  First thing first, Frank Gore's injury is not as bad as expected and therefore it will not require surgery according to Singletary.  

On another injury front, Singletary expects center David Bass to play after suffering an injury in Monday nights game.  If Bass could not go then Tony Wragge would take his place.

Now to the running backs that are expected to play Sunday.  Mike Singletary said that the 49ers are going to use a "thunder and lightning" approach with Brian Westbrook obviously the lightning and Anthony Dixon the thunder.

On whether he will use both Westbrook and RB Anthony Dixon:

“Yes; kind of ‘thunder and lightning.’ You know, that’s been used a lot through the years with running backs but with both those guys it literally is applicable.”

On whether Dixon is thunder:

“He’s going to be thunder.”

Singletary was also asked about Anthony Dixon's wide known problem of dancing around in the backfield before he hits the hole.  Singletary has been critical of Dixon from the beginning of training camp about this and would like Dixon just to run through the hole whether it is there or not.

On Dixon looking like thunder but playing like lighting:

“You know what, he’s got great feet and, you know, that’s something for him that, a lot of people would say is a negative thing because he has such great feet he can continue to try and fill the hole. But I think for what we want to, what we want him to do is be a little more disciplined toward hitting the hole and hitting it now and if it’s not there then try and make it there; try and make one there. I just think that he’s still learning what his style is going to be, but I’m very excited about the possibilities there.”

And finally before the transcript.  The 49ers signed three players to the practice squad today.  WR Bakari Grant, guard Nick Howell, and running back Xavier Omon were all added.  Bakari Grant, as you may remember, was in training camp with the 49ers earlier this year.

49ers vs. Cardinals: Mike Singletary Day After Press-Conference - Frank Gore Placed on IR

Mike Singletary had an interesting exchange today with some of the media (transcript after the jump).  They discussed whether his opinion matters on the possible 18-game schedule and discussed crying.  You don't usually here crying discussed when talking football but what do I know.

The big news out of today is the Frank Gore has a fractured right hip and was placed on injured reserve along with receiver Dominique Zeigler after he suffered a torn left ACL last night.  Obviously, the Frank Gore injury hurts the most as definitely causes the 49ers to change their "run all the time" game plan.  Brian Westbrook and rookie Anthony Dixon will take over as the primary backs with Westbrook getting most of the load.  The 49ers are concerned about his concussion problems in the past so it defintely will not be a one-back system any longer. 

To fill the roster up after making those moves they elevated running back DeShawn Wynn to the active roster along with safety Chris Maragos.  They also released kicker Shane Andrus as Joe Nedney is supposed to be ready to play this weekend.  Finally, they released tackle Xavier Fulton from the practice squad as well.

Broncos-49ers: Brian Westbrook & Anthony Dixon To Get More Touches?

When the San Francisco 49ers backup running back Glen Coffee retired in the middle of training camp he left the 49ers with no real options at running back.  The 49ers downplayed the need to get a backup since they run a one-back system with Frank Gore being the lead dog and had drafted Anthony Dixon out of Mississippi State in the 2010 draft.  With all that said they went and signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to backup Gore. 

The idea was that Westbrook could spell Gore and give the 49ers offense a different type of running back.  Having Westbrook was supposed to also lighten the load for Gore with hopes that he could actually make it through an entire season without missing a game.  Gore has a history on not making it through an entire season--the last time he played in all 16 games was in 2006.

So far the plan to play both Westbrook and Gore has not worked.  Gore has had 172 touches in seven games compared to Westbrook's 6 touches.  Whether Westbrook's lack of action is related to the 49ers lack of creativity to get him on the field or another reason its hard to say but it is clearly a mistake by the 49ers coaches to not have him more involved. 

But that's all suppose to change this week.  Mike Singletary said in his media session on Friday that he expects to see more of Anthony Dixon and Brian Westbrook.

On whether you expect to see more of RB Brian Westbrook and RB Anthony Dixon this weekend:

“It’s possible.”

On whether that is a priority for you:

“It is a priority, yes it is.”

But we heard that tune before and the result has been six touches by Brian Westbrook and four touches by Anthony Dixon in seven regular season games. 

It would seem like a good idea for Westbrook to get some touches this week after what Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders was able to do against the Denver Broncos last week.  Most of their running plays were stretch plays to the outside and off-tackle runs which are the type of runs that are better suited for Westbrook's running style compared to Gore's.  Full transcript after the jump.