Monday, Sep 26, 2011 03:56 PM

Harbaugh expects Niners' Gore to be OK to play vs. Eagles

SAN FRANCISCO -- 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh expects running back Frank Gore to play this weekend at Philadelphia despite a sprained right ankle that limited him in Sunday's victory at Cincinnati.

Harbaugh, whose 2-1 Niners lead the NFC West, said Monday he believes Gore will be "good to go" against the Eagles. The 49ers are practicing this week in Youngstown, Ohio, to avoid a return trip to the West Coast before facing the Eagles in Week 4.

"Frank's status, in my mind right now, Frank is good to go," Harbaugh said in a conference call. "We'll plan, we'll scheme and prepare for this game with Frank, along with the rest of the players on this team."

Harbaugh said Gore was walking without a boot Monday, and the coach also referred to rookie Kendall Hunter as "the backup tailback" -- leaving little question that the veteran remains the guy, for now at least. Hunter ran 7 yards with 3:59 left Sunday for the game's only touchdown.

Gore received a new three-year, $21 million contract late last month.