The San Francisco 49ers’ season just seems to get worse with each passing week, and now, with playoff hopes still hanging in the balance, the team faces yet another setback. Less than 24 hours after a commanding win over the Chicago Bears, rookie running back Isaac Guerendo ’s status for Thursday’s crucial divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is now uncertain, thanks to a foot sprain suffered late in the game.
Isaac Guerendo ’s Injury: A Crushing Blow to the 49ers’ Already Struggling Backfield
Isaac Guerendo, a fourth-round rookie, was making a name for himself in his first significant start. With the 49ers’ running back room decimated by injuries, including the loss of Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason to season-ending injuries, Guerendo had finally been given the opportunity to shine. His performance against the Bears seemed to be the breakthrough the team desperately needed: 15 carries for 78 yards, two touchdowns, and two catches for 50 yards, including a dazzling 27-yard reception.
However, the promising debut was marred when Isaac Guerendo left the game with a foot sprain in the fourth quarter. The injury occurred with just 10 minutes left on the clock, and though Guerendo walked off the field under his own power, he did not return to the game. Afterward, he seemed optimistic, telling reporters he felt “great” and that the team was just being cautious, given the short week before Thursday’s game.
But head coach Kyle Shanahan’s comments on Monday painted a much less rosy picture. When asked about Guerendo’s chances of being ready for the game, Shanahan wasn’t as hopeful. “I’ll be surprised if he does much [in practice tomorrow],” Shanahan said. “We’ll evaluate him over the next few days to see if he’ll have a shot.”
With the 49ers’ running back corps already decimated by injury, Isaac Guerendo ’s status is now the latest challenge the team must face as they prepare for one of the most important games of the season.
A Season Defined by Running Back Injuries
The 49ers have been hit hard in the running back department, and Guerendo’s injury only adds to a growing list of running back woes. It started during the preseason, when Elijah Mitchell, the team’s leading rusher from 2021, was placed on Injured Reserve before the season even began. From there, the injuries only mounted.
Reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, and backup Jordan Mason both suffered season-ending injuries in the 49ers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills just two weeks ago, leaving San Francisco with a backfield full of question marks. Now, with Guerendo potentially sidelined, the 49ers are staring down a critical divisional game with their running back depth at an all-time low.
The Worst Possible Timing for Isaac Guerendo
Just when the 49ers needed Guerendo to step up, it seemed like he was ready to answer the call. With McCaffrey and Mason out, the rookie had a chance to seize a starting role and prove he could be a key contributor. And against the Bears, he delivered in a big way. His two-touchdown performance made him the first 49ers running back since Carlos Hyde in 2015 to score multiple rushing touchdowns in his first career start.
But now, with his injury looming, Guerendo may miss out on building upon that success. His absence would not only prevent him from continuing his impressive debut but would also force the 49ers to scramble for a replacement just days before Thursday’s must-win game against the Rams.
Who Steps Up in Guerendo’s Absence?
If Guerendo is unable to go, the 49ers will once again have to dig deep into their running back depth chart. Fortunately, they have a few options, but none come with the same promise Guerendo showed.
Patrick Taylor Jr. was the immediate backup after Guerendo’s injury and played solidly in relief, carrying the ball seven times for 25 yards and scoring a touchdown. Taylor’s performance against the Bears was a bright spot, and Shanahan has already indicated that he would be in line to start if Guerendo is unavailable for Thursday’s game. This would be Taylor’s first start of the season, and his performance will be critical for the 49ers’ offensive game plan.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who has been mostly on the practice squad this season, could also get some work. Vaughn has only carried the ball twice this year, but his experience could give him an edge as the 49ers seek to stabilize their running game.
There’s also Israel Abanikanda, who was claimed off waivers last week from the New York Jets. Abanikanda is still learning the playbook but has been working with running backs coach Bobby Turner to get up to speed as quickly as possible. If Guerendo can’t go, the 49ers may need to rely on Abanikanda to step up in a big way, despite his lack of familiarity with the system.
In any case, with less than 500 combined career carries among all these backs, the 49ers will be forced to turn to a running back room filled with inexperience in a must-win game against the Rams.
A Must-Win Game Against the Rams
Thursday night’s showdown against the Los Angeles Rams is more than just another divisional game—it’s a pivotal matchup that could have major implications for the 49ers’ playoff chances. A win would give the 49ers a crucial season tiebreaker over the Rams and could help them inch closer to reclaiming the NFC West crown.
But with Guerendo’s status uncertain and the running back room in disarray, the 49ers find themselves facing a daunting challenge. San Francisco’s offense has been built around its ability to establish a strong running game, but with so many injuries, the team may be forced to get creative in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The 49ers are no strangers to adversity, but this week’s matchup against the Rams could test their resolve more than ever before. If they can’t find a way to replace Guerendo’s production, the season’s momentum could slip away just as quickly as it came.
