Staying healthy has been the story on the offensive side of the ball for the 49ers this season. Nearly every notable name on the offense has missed time at some point this season. The two most significant injuries were Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey, who combined to appear in just 11 games and did not share the field for a single snap all year.
The position group that has been hit the hardest has undoubtedly been running back. Starter Christian McCaffrey (knee) is amid his second IR stint, and his backup, Jordan Mason, is also on IR with a high-ankle sprain.
With their top two options sidelined, the expectation was that rookie Isaac Guerendo would lead the backfield for the remainder of the regular season. Well, Guerendo suffered an injury of his own last week and is in danger of missing a Thursday night matchup with the Rams.
WEEK 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Will Isaac Guerendo play this week? Injury update on 49ers’ RB
After spraining his foot last week, Guerendo has been labeled as day-to-day. After not practicing to open the week, he was upgraded to limited participation during Wednesday’s practice. Following his spotty participation, the team has listed Gurendo as “questionable” for Thursday’s game.
49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) for Thursday night’s game vs. the Rams.
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) and LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) are listed as questionable.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 11, 2024
Considering Guerendo has not practiced in full at any point this week, it’s truly a toss-up as to whether he’ll be able to suit up. There’s a decent chance his status is unknown until inactives are due 90 minutes before kickoff.
Check back here often, as we’ll be providing updates on Guerendo’s status as they become available.
49ers’ RB Depth Chart: Who is Isaac Guerendo’s Backup?
Considering Guerendo is the RB3 in San Francisco, they’ll be reaching deep down the depth chart if he’s unable to play. When Guerendo left late in the game last week, the coaching staff turned to Patrick Taylor to close out the game. He’d likely function as the lead back in Guerendo’s absence.
If Guerendo is unable to play, don’t be surprised if one (or both) of Ke’Shawn Vaughn or Israel Abanikanda mix in with Taylor to some degree. Both are relatively new to the team, but they could be used to spell Taylor throughout the game.
Week 15 FANTASY FOOTBALL ROSTER MANAGEMENT
Lessons Learned | Stock Watch | Sleepers | Busts | Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em | Usage Report
Isaac Guerendo fantasy outlook Week 15
Gurendo acted as a bell cow last week, ceding just one carry to Patrick Taylor before getting hurt, and he was incredibly effective in this role. Unsurprisingly, a running back with size (6-0, 221 pounds) and speed (4.33 40-yard dash) performed well in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The rookie finished with 26.8 PPR points on 17 touches and was set up to be a true league winner.
Assuming Guerendo is able to play, he may be limited in some capacity, but he’s well worth the start. His fantasy value as the 49ers’ lead back was cemented last week. Otherwise, Patrick Taylor becomes a terrific spot start if Guerendo can’t take the field.
If you didn’t pick up Taylor on waivers, be sure to consult the Sporting News’ RB rankings and sleepers to find a worthwhile replacement for Guerendo.
