49ers general manager Trent Baalke says he expects holdout Frank Gore to play with the team this season, but is prepared to move forward without the Pro Bowl running back. Baalke said that he wasn't surprised by Gore's absence in training camp. "I think you always have to be prepared for everything that comes up. So are we prepared to (play without him)? Certainly," Baalke said. "There are other players that are going to have to step up. But at the same time, we fully expect Frank to be back." Gore, the heart of the 49ers offense, is in the final year of his deal.