49ers will closely monitor Frank Gore's workload again this season

49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman told reporters that they have closely monitored Frank Gore's workload in the last three-to-four years, and they'll do so again this season, per the Bay Area News Group on Thursday.

"We need to manage him," Rathman said. "We need to keep him (fresh) from Week 1 to the Super Bowl. So that's going to be the biggest challenge. He’s ready to go and he’s right where he needs to be."

Second-round pick Carlos Hyde could be the perfect back to work behind Gore this season. Hyde has 88 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry through three preseason games.

In 2013, Gore rushed for 1,128 yards on 176 carries. He rushed for 618 yards on 146 carries (4.2 yards per carry) through his first eight games, 130 carries for 510 yards (3.9 yards per carry) in the second half of the season.