"Frank Gore on Sunday downplayed a knee injury that limited him to six carries overall and a single play in the second half.

Gore, who entered the game with a sprained left ankle, suffered a knee injury in the second quarter.

"I'll be fine," he said. "I could have played, but (running backs) coach (Tom) Rathman didn't want me to play. Be smart – he said we've got a long season."

Gore started the game at running back, but a Giants defense that was committed to stopping him held him to no yards on six carries. He had one catch for eight yards.

Gore left the game as the 49ers were threatening to score at the end of the first half.

In the second half, he entered as a pass blocker for one third-down play but otherwise watched the game from the sideline while wearing a red parka.

The 49ers' game plan did not include a lot of running anyway."