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The guys at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic are among the best in the world, so the medheads and the NFL listen closely when they publish the results of a study. Dr. Neal ElAttrache led a study into the recovery of football players from ACL injuries. The findings were surprising. Among the results were that less than 80 percent of all ACL reconstructions end with the player coming back to the game. Of those players, few return to their previous level. Even more interesting, it's the most skilled players that appear at the most risk for ACL injuries. It's a very interesting study and well worth checking out in its entirety when published next month in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

It's the end of November and the start of fantasy playoff season, so let's get to it:

Frank Gore practiced on Thursday, a good sign. He missed Wednesday with what the Niners listed as a "shin" problem. This is the best indication we have yet that the problem Gore had was a high ankle sprain, albeit seemingly a mild one. Gore didn't appear to be bothered by the leg during drills, according to reports, and is expected to start. Gore is a top fantasy back when healthy, so the question of his effectiveness is huge for this week. If I owned Gore -- and I wish I did -- I would be watching the practice reports closely. If there's no further problem and if he practices fully, I'd start him. Then again, I'll be watching this closely and filling you in Sunday Morning on the Med Check.

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