SANTA CLARA – Frank Gore has cleared another step, albeit a modest and expected one, toward becoming a first-ballot member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Gore, the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher and the NFL’s third-most productive ever, is among 52 candidates to advance in the voting process from a field of 128 nominees.

Other former 49ers also in contention are 1992-94 rusher/receiver Ricky Watters and 2013-15 leading receiver Anquan Boldin.

Also advancing with Gore in their first year of eligibility are quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, along with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, center Maurkice Pouncey and tight ends Greg Olsen and Jason Witten.

There will be 15 modern-era players to reach the final voting stage, along with three seniors, one coach and one contributor

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