The rationale behind Frank Gore's 'pitch count'

The Indianapolis Colts are holding firm on their plan to deploy veteran running back Frank Gore in carefully measured doses, frustrating as it might be to see him rip off a big run only to then spend the next series on the bench.

But coach Chuck Pagano offered a bit more context Friday on the team's plans for Gore, providing some interesting insight into how exactly the limits on Gore were conceived.

Pagano clarified that the "pitch count" the Colts have adhered to with Gore is actually a season-long target, rather than a per-game computation. (Pagano didn't divulge the number.) And the numbers suggest this is not an arbitrary decision by the Colts, but rather one based on Gore's previous performance.

With 89 carries through six games (14.8 per game), Gore is actually on pace for 237 rushing attempts for the season – pretty close to the 268 attempts he averaged during his past four seasons in San Francisco. Despite the temptation to maximize Gore's production, the Colts are also prioritizing his health. Adding a significant number of carries to his workload at 32 years old – ancient for NFL running backs – doesn't seem all that prudent.

While Gore has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, he did so with a relatively modest number of carries each year.

"I think we have to stay close to (our target)," Pagano said Friday. "We can't rob Peter to pay Paul. We have other capable guys that can take snaps off of him."

The Colts are on pace to meet Gore's targeted number of rushing attempts as well as other mileposts, Pagano said.

"We said, 'This is the number that we'd like to hit for 16 regular-season games.' And we said, 'These are the yards and the average we want to hit,' " Pagano said. "So, we set goals and numbers in all three areas: number of carries, what we wanted per carry and total yards. We're on our way. We have a chance to have a 1,000-yard rusher. I know we can get that done."

Gore is on pace to rush for 1,074 yards this season. That would make him the Colts' first 1,000-yard rusher since Joseph Addai in 2007. But it's more than just total yards. Gore is showing himself to be the efficient runner he's always been, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. As he continues to grow more comfortable in the offense, and the revamped offensive line — the Colts hope — develops more chemistry, the Colts' running game could become a more potent weapon. Look for it this weekend against the New Orleans Saints, who rank 30th in rushing defense.

"We're obviously going in the right direction with the run game," Pagano said. "Guys are getting in sync. The offensive line and tight ends are doing a great job. (Coordinator) Pep (Hamilton) is doing a great job with the offensive coaches designing blocking schemes based on what we're going to see from a defensive standpoint. The holes are there. And they don't have to be very big for Frank."

Adams out

The Colts will be without starting strong safety Mike Adams on Sunday after the veteran was ruled out with a hamstring strain. Adams will miss his first game since 2010, when he played for the Cleveland Browns.

With rookie Clayton Geathers dealing with a knee injury and considered doubtful to play, veteran backup Colt Anderson will get the start opposite free safety Dwight Lowery.

Adams, 34, is tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions. It's not the most ideal week to be without a starting member of the secondary with Saints quarterback Drew Brees on tap.

"We happen to be playing another great, great quarterback who poses a huge challenge," Pagano said.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.

Gore is grand

Frank Gore is on pace to be the Colts first 1,000-yard rusher since 2007. A look at their top rusher since Joseph Addai topped 1,000 yards: