SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) – Frank Gore broke four tackles on a 52-yard touchdown run six days after a concussion, and the San Francisco 49ers led San Diego 7-0 after the first quarter Saturday night with the Chargers still holding slim playoff hopes.
Fullback Bruce Miller fumbled the ball near the goal line on the Niners’ next possession to cost them a chance to build the lead. It was the first lost fumble of his career.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers had his team driving late in the quarter before throwing an interception picked off by Perrish Cox.
In closing seconds of the quarter, 21-yard TD pass from Colin Kaepernick to Anquan Boldin was negated on left tackle Joe Staley’s holding penalty. After the catch, Boldin immediately swung a left arm around cornerback Shareece Wright’s neck before pushing the defender in the face with his right hand and butting helmets. Boldin’s unsportsmanlike penalty was nullified on the holding flag.
The Chargers (8-6), who have won the last three against the 49ers, need to win out and get some help. They began the week tied with Kansas City and Buffalo, one game out of final wild-card berth.