Frank Gore gives Redskins running back Derrius Guice faith

Frank Gore is one of the most durable and productive running backs of all time. And that gives Redskins running back Derrius Guice faith.

Frank Gore is one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL. The former third-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft is entering his 16th NFL season and has been super productive over the course of that span. He ranks third on the all-time rushing list with 15,347 yards and figures to be a Hall of Famer in the near future.

But it wasn’t always accolades and roses for Gore. The Miami product tore his ACL twice in college and some wondered if he would be able to play effectively and injury-free at the NFL level. But during his 15 NFL seasons, Gore has only missed 14 regular-season games. Five times, he has made the Pro Bowl. Nine times, he has rushed for over 1,000 yards in a single season.

In short, Gore is one of the best running backs of the millennium and would garner more respect for his longevity if not for another generational running back, Adrian Peterson, matching him virtually step for step in his later years.

But either way, Gore’s journey from potential zero to powerful NFL workhorse is an inspiration to at least one member of the Redskins backfield. That would be Derrius Guice. The third-year player from LSU tweeted that Gore’s story “gives him faith” as he looks to carve out a role in the Washington running back room for 2020.

So far during his career, Guice has played in just five NFL games over the course of two seasons. He tore his ACL during his rookie preseason and had two separate stints on IR in his second campaign with a torn meniscus and an MCL sprain.

The injuries have been problematic, but Guice has looked effective when on the field. He had 42 carries for 245 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns in his sparing action during the 2019 season. He also added seven catches for 79 yards and a score. He has the talent and elusiveness needed to make an impact at the next level, but he just needs to stay healthy.

It’s easy to see why Guice looks up to Gore. The current New York Jets running back overcame obstacles similar to those of Guice early in his career to become one of the NFL’s most productive runners of all time. His injuries may have occurred during college, but Guice can still look to the veteran for inspiration. And if the young Redskins back can get and stay healthy in 2020, then the sky is the limit for him.

Hopefully, Guice can mimick Gore’s relative durability in the coming years. If he can, he could emerge as the future starter in the Redskins backfield. But if not, the ‘Skins have a crowded running back room that could oust the LSU product, as Peterson, Antonio Gibson, Bryce Love, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber will all be competing for touches in 2020.

This season will be a make-or-break one for Guice. But if he has faith that he can stay on the field, he should be well-positioned to make an impact in Ron Rivera‘s first season in charge.