Frank Gore could use a break. The NFL schedule is unforgiving in that respect.
Gore, 32, has been the picture of durability during his long career, but usage and age might be catching up to the Colts running back. Gore's production has been down over the past month, and he seemed like a different player during Indy's win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.
On Monday, Colts coach Chuck Pagano acknowledged the obvious: Gore has taken a pounding.
"He's beat to crap, but he's a warrior," Pagano said. "He finds a way to get himself right by Sunday."
"This is all bigger than me," Gore said after Sunday's win, via ESPN.com. "We're all trying. I'm fighting. As long as we get the win that's all that matters. Yeah, it's tough. All we can do to keep fighting."
Gore might not be in danger of missing time due to injury, but the veteran could certainly use a partner who can share the workload ... and abuse. That was supposed to be Ahmad Bradshaw, but the oft-injured running back was sent to injured reserve on Monday with a wrist injury.
Dan Herron, claimed off waivers last week, will step into the primary backup role behind Gore. Zurlon Tipton was added to the roster to replace Bradshaw.
Before the season began, Gore and Andre Johnson were supposed to be "final piece"-type players for a Colts offense led by durable star Andrew Luck. These things rarely go as planned.
