Mike Wells, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Colts have to rein in Frank Gore at practice to preserve him for season

INDIANAPOLIS -- When it comes to being classified as an old-school football player, Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore fits the description pretty perfectly.

Gore isn't flashy when he plays. He simply runs hard and gets the job done.

Gore doesn't care about being in the spotlight. He's more reserved than outgoing.

At age 34, Gore enjoys practicing the same way he did when he entered the NFL as a 22-year-old in 2005.

Now that's where the problem lies.

The Colts thoroughly enjoy Gore's enthusiasm for wanting to perfect his craft by practicing on a regular basis -- as he did Monday while dealing with an ankle injury -- but they also realize he's 34, heading into his 13th NFL season and needs to avoid any unnecessary wear and tear on his body.

That's why, despite Gore being reluctant, the Colts plan to limit his workload during training camp and the regular season with the purpose of being able to have the veteran as fresh as possible later in the season.

"You always have to rein him in," coach Chuck Pagano said. "He's a passionate, passionate guy -- you guys know that. He understands the importance of practice. Winning is important, but preparation is vital."

Gore's 263 carries last season were 216 more than the next closest running back on the Colts' roster and the seventh most in the NFL. He and LeGarrette Blount were the only running backs over the age of 30 who were in the top 10 in rushing attempts. The 263 rushing attempts were also the fourth most in any season of Gore's career.

It's easy to understand why the Colts want to cut back on Gore's workload, especially since he's still the top running back on the team.

"I've just got to keep leading by example," Gore said. "Every time I'm out there I go hard, give my teammates and my coaches 110 percent when I'm out there and go have fun."

Gore had his ninth 1,000-yard season in 2016. It's uncertain if he'll rack up No. 10 in that category, especially since the Colts are a pass-first team and they believe they have the depth at running back to be able to preserve Gore some.

"Frank wants to win and be productive and he needs breaks and he needs time," Colts running backs coach Jemal Singleton said. "I think being able to share the wealth a little bit only makes him better. Whether that's with [Robert] Turbin or whether that's with Josh [Ferguson] or whether Marlon Mack steps up."

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