Frank Gore has continued this season as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting running back, a role he’s held down capably for the better part of nine seasons.

Gore had to reapply for the job entering 2014, however.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday on NFL Total Access that the 49ers were “upfront” about the possibility they would cut Gore. Said Rapoport:

“I’m told members of the front office actually approached Frank Gore this offseason and told him very simply this: ‘You’re 31 years old; you’re set to make more than $6 million with incentives; and we may have actually drafted your replacement in Carlos Hyde with the 57th overall pick. Your roster spot is certainly in jeopardy.’ ”

via Dan Hanzus of NFL.com