Frank Gore says his ankle is feeling better and that he expects a full workload in '09. (Paul Sakuma / Associated Press)

RB Frank Gore says his late-season ankle injury is “feeling better.” He also says that he hasn’t been told of any plans by the San Francisco 49ers to reduce his workload next season.

49ers GM Scot McCloughan has strongly hinted several times during the offseason that the team would be looking for a complimentary back alongside Gore. The team used a third-round pick (No. 74 overall) to select former Alabama RB Glen Coffee, a player NFL.com’s Thomas George profiled leading up to the draft.

It all might be news to Gore, who met with the media on the second day of 49ers organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday.

“I haven’t heard that we’re going to take some of the load off of me,” Gore said. “I know the coach has been telling me that I have to be in tip-top shape and I have to be ready to take the load, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Gore gave a positive report on his first impressions of Coffee and Gore noted that he’s always been fine with catching a break as long as he’s able play most of the snaps to establish his rhythm. He doesn’t forsee any type of rotation next season.

“Well, I feel like the more I’m in the game, the more I touch the ball, the better player I am,” said Gore, when asked about getting a break during games. “I don’t think that we’ll be rotating. But like I say, my type of style and running the ball and playing, I feel like I get better the more I’m in and the more I touch the ball.”

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