San Francisco running back Frank Gore sprained his left ankle early in the third quarter and missed the remainder of the 49ers' 24-14 victory over the New York Jets yesterday.

Gore, among the NFL's leaders in yards rushing and all-purpose yards, was hurt when a pile of tacklers fell on his leg as he stretched to reach the first-down marker on the second play of the second half.

"I was moving a pile and someone went down behind me," Gore said. "It's sore and tight."

He kept his weight off his left ankle as two trainers helped him to the bench, and he left the field sitting in the passenger seat of a cart moments later.

Coach Mike Singletary said it was too early to know the extent of the injury.

"We'll just have to wait and see," he said. "I know right now that he's sore but we'll just have to wait and see."

Gore returned to the field without his helmet later in the quarter to watch the conclusion of the Niners' third victory in the last four games.

ELSEWHERE

Vikings: Minnesota quarterback Gus Frerotte did not play the second half against the Detroit Lions because of a lower-back injury.

"He's very sore right now," coach Brad Childress said after the 20-16 win.

Tarvaris Jackson replaced him and helped Minnesota score a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter.

Giants: New York running back Brandon Jacobs left the game with Philadelphia with an injury to his left knee. Jacobs was hurt after a rush in the third quarter and walked off the field without a limp.

The Giants also lost cornerback Aaron Ross with an ankle injury. He went to the locker room for X-rays and did not return.

Patriots: New England starting inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi limped off the field early in the second quarter with a left knee injury after getting hit by a teammate while trying to tackle Seattle's Maurice Morris on a 4-yard run.

New England defensive tackle Vince Wilfork also left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.

Broncos: Denver rookie running back Peyton Hillis left the game against Kansas City late in the first half after straining his right hamstring.

Hillis is the sixth tailback to go down for Denver this season.

Eagles: Philadelphia wide receiver Kevin Curtis left the game against the New York Giants with a concussion in the second quarter.

HAWAI'I PLAYERS IN NFL

Detroit defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis (Kalaheo High/University of Hawai'i) had 1 assisted tackle against Minnesota.

Miami receiver Davone Bess (UH) had a game-high 9 receptions for 74 yards, including a long of 15, and 1 punt return for 10 yards against Buffalo.

Detroit linebacker Jordon Dizon (Waimea High) had 2 solo tackles against Minnesota.

Atlanta place kicker Jason Elam (UH) made a 23-yard field-goal attempt, and made both extra-point attempts against New Orleans.

Arizona safety Aaron Francisco (Kahuku High) had 7 tackles, including 6 solo, against St. Louis.

Arizona defensive end Travis LaBoy (UH) had 1 solo tackle against St. Louis.

San Francisco defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga (UH) had 2 tackles, including 1 solo, against the New York Jets.

St. Louis linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (UH) had 9 solo tackles against Arizona.