"Frank Gore returned to practice Thursday after the running back missed his first full practice of the season.

Gore said Wednesday's day off was a coach's decision and had more to do with rest than injury to his right knee, which was bruised and hyperextended in a big hit from behind by Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in the second quarter Sunday.

"It hit the ground and hyperextended my leg," he said Thursday. "It kind of shut down my whole leg, and I couldn't push off like I wanted to."

Gore said he could have returned against the Giants if he had been needed, and he indicated he wasn't too thrilled at the time with running backs coach Tom Rathman's decision to hold him out in the second half.

"Coach Rathman kept calling (after the game). I kept ignoring his calls," Gore said.

Gore said he expects to play, and play well, in Sunday's game against the Cardinals at Candlestick Park. His season ended last year after he fractured his hip against Arizona."