Byline: Seattle Times News Services
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Frank Gore's season is over -- and what a hit for the San Francisco offense.
The 49ers placed their star running back on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. Gore fractured his right hip during the Niners' 27-6 win at Arizona on Monday night and was scheduled to undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury. The team made the announcement less than two hours after Mike Singletary's weekly news conference, then released a statement from the coach.
'It is unfortunate that we had to place Frank on IR,' Singletary said. 'He is not only a great football player, but a tremendous leader. He plays with such passion and desire, two traits that will serve him well as he recovers from the injury.'
Singletary said he wasn't sure when Gore got hurt. The two-time Pro Bowler, in his sixth NFL season, ran for 853 yards and three touchdowns this season and also caught a team-leading 46 passes for 452 yards and two TDs. Gore's 24 100-yard rushing games are the most in 49ers franchise history.
Losing him is a big blow for San Francisco, which at 4-7 is only a game out in the NFC West despite an 0-5 start.
The 49ers actually hid Gore's helmet from him on the sideline because he wanted to stay in the game.
San Francisco also placed wide receiver Dominique Zeigler on IR with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
For now, Brian Westbrook and rookie Anthony Dixon will be called upon to carry a bigger load as the 49ers make a quick turnaround to play at Green Bay on Sunday. Westbrook had all of 10 touches this season before carrying 23 times for 136 yards Monday, though Singletary wants to be cautious not to overwork Westbrook and risk injury.
League fines Steelers' Harrison $25,000
Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison was fined $25,000 for his penalized hit on Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Harrison has four fines this season totaling $125,000.
Harrison drew a roughing-the-passer penalty for hitting Fitzpatrick helmet-first during Pittsburgh's 19-16 overtime victory Sunday.
NOTES
* Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is wearing a protective boot on his sprained right foot but is expected to play Sunday when Pittsburgh and Baltimore face off for first place in the AFC North.
Roethlisberger aggravated the foot during a 19-16 overtime victory in Buffalo last Sunday. He did not leave the game and had an 18-yard run while scrambling after getting hurt.
Roethlisberger may not practice Wednesday, but coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic the quarterback will play despite some pain and discomfort.
'He might be limited somewhat,' Tomlin said of Roethlisberger's practice status. 'I'm going to be optimistic and hopeful that he'll be a full participant, but there's a chance he couldn't be.'
* The Green Bay Packers have agreed to a contract extension with cornerback Tramon Williams. Agent Rodney Williams called it a fair deal for both sides, given the current uncertainty over the NFL's labor situation. And Williams said his client was happy to be staying in Green Bay.
* Authorities says there is not enough evidence to charge Tennessee receiver Kenny Britt in a bar fight in Nashville. Instead, a grand jury has indicted another man, 29-year-old Bradford Miser, on assault charges for the Oct. 22 brawl in which no one was seriously hurt.
* Philadelphia wide receiver DeSean Jackson said he and his teammates are 'on to the next game,' and downplayed any speculation that he's unhappy with coach Andy Reid, his teammates or his diminished role in Philadelphia's offense.
* The NFL will offer full refunds to fans with general admission tickets if games are canceled next season because of a lockout. Each team will determine its policies for club seats, suites and payments for personal seat licenses.
* Drew Brees was honored as Sports Illustrated's sportsman of the year for his championship on the field and his charity off it.
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