Will Frank Gore Come Back in 2021: "Don't Doubt Him"

Frank Gore's longevity in the NFL is nothing short of incredible. The 16-year vet will turn 38 years old in May, but he has still handled a 150-plus-carry workload in each of the last three seasons. In fact, his 187 carries in 2020 marks his highest carry total since 2017.

Yes, Gore was placed on the injured reserve in Week 16 due to a lung contusion, but it might be premature to say his career is finished. New York Jets coach Adam Tase said on Thursday that he wouldn't doubt a return from the longtime running back.

"I said this a long time ago: Never doubt Frank Gore," Gase said. "Whatever he wants to do, just don't doubt him. If he decides he wants to play football again, I would love to see him play as long as he can play."

How does Gore do it?

In his career, he's rushed for 16,000 yards and 81 touchdowns. He has also added 3,985 yards and 18 scores as a receiver out of the backfield. Gore is currently No. 3 in career rushing yards, and he's only 727 yards shy of moving past Walter Payton for the No. 2 spot.

That is a very doable number in 2021, especially for someone who has continued to see a large number of carries despite his old age.

Will he get the opportunity? We will have to wait and see. If Gase somehow hangs onto the job in New York, it sounds like a possibility. That's a doubtful scenario, though.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.