Frank Gore welcomes Westbrook into 49ers backfield

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Before San Francisco added free agent Brian Westbrook to its backfield this week, the 49ers made it a point to consult with Frank Gore first.

The two-time Pro Bowl running back, who has led the team in rushing each of the past five seasons, quickly gave his blessing.

"I thought if he could help my team get better and help us go to another level, I'm fine with it," Gore said Tuesday after San Francisco's single practice. "He's been a great back in this league for a long time. I already started asking him questions, but I feel he can help me get better."

Westbrook signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on Monday and was greeted by loud applause from 49ers fans attending the team's open practice Tuesday as he trotted onto the field for the first workout with his new team.

The former Philadelphia Eagles star took part in individual drills and did some light running but spent much of the two-hour workout as a spectator while Gore and rookie Anthony Dixon handled the reps on offense.

"The hardest thing to do is sit on the sidelines and watch, but that's probably the best way to learn," Westbrook said. "Hopefully it's quick, and I'm gonna do everything I can to make it as painless and as quick as possible."

San Francisco needed help in its backfield after the surprisingly abrupt retirement of Glen Coffee after one year.

Even when Westbrook is up to speed with the power-based running game the 49ers employ, he'll remain an understudy to Gore. Coach Mike Singletary made that point clear when San Francisco announced the Westbrook signing.