The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... HC Mike Nolan said that Gore, who broke a bone in his hand during a non-contact drill Monday, would not practice with the team for the remainder of the week. Gore will be re-evaluated next Monday, and Nolan expects him to return to practice then with a cast on his hand. "He'll be ready for the latter part of preseason, but his participating in the preseason, we'll wait and see on that," Nolan said.

Diehards Line:If Gore is able to take part in practices -- even on a limited basis, the notion of missing out on pre-season games isn't all that worrisome. In fact, some might suggest it's a great way to avoid more serious injury in meaningless exhibition play. ... It also gives coaches a chance to see how second-year man Michael Robinson is progressing. Are we trying to tell you that Gore's injury is actually good news? No. Just that it could be a lot worse.