The San Francisco 49ers have been dealing with all sorts of injury concerns in their offensive backfield.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey and fellow running back Jordan Mason were each placed on the IR this week. McCaffrey is dealing with a PCL injury while Mason is nursing an ankle injury.
That meant that the 49ers needed to turn to rookie running back Isaac Guerendo on Sunday against the Chicago Bears and for the remainder of the regular season.
Making his first career against the Bears, Guerendo was performing admirably on Sunday. Guerendo tallied 15 carries for 78 rushing yards and rushing scores of 1 and 4 yards. The Louisville product also caught a pair of passes for 50 yards.
With his 128 scrimmage yards against the Bears, Guerendo joined a select list of 49ers with 100-plus scrimmage yards and at least two touchdowns in their first career start.
But, Guerendo exited the 49ers’ game against Chicago with a reported foot injury. Guerendo was listed as questionable to return.
#CHIvsSF @DignityHealth injury update: Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable to return.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 9, 2024
Fourth-year pro Patrick Taylor is operating as the 49ers’ backup running back. Following Guerendo’s injury exit, Taylor promptly reached the end zone on a 3-yard rushing score to extend the 49ers’ commanding lead over the Bears to 38-13.
After the 49ers’ win over the Bears, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on Guerendo’s status.
“We’re not sure. Possible foot sprain. X-rays didn’t for sure show anything, so we’ll have to look into it more tomorrow,” Shanahan said.
Given the 49ers’ running back health situation, Guerendo’s status will be a key storyline heading into Thursday’s date against the Los Angeles Rams.
