Nov. 29, 2010MAIOCCO ARCHIVE49ERS PAGE49ERS VIDEOMatt MaioccoCSNBayArea.comGLENDALE, Ariz. -- The 49ers pulled to within a game of the NFC West lead with their victory against the Arizona Cardinals on "Monday Night Football."But the win took its toll, as running back Frank Gore was lost in the first quarter with a hip strain. Veteran Brian Westbrook, who entered the game as the 49ers' seventh-leading rusher, picked up the slack with a big game.Gore's status was not immediately known. He has been the central focus of the offense for several seasons. So offensive coordinator Mike Johnson is potentially faced with the challenge of compensating for the loss of the team's best offensive player.The 49ers, who are one back behind St. Louis and Seattle, travel to face to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The 49ers have five games remaining, including three against each of the other NFC West division teams.As crazy as it sounds, yes, the 49ers (4-7) are still very much alive in the playoff race.
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