The San Francisco 49ers received some positive news amidst a string of backfield injuries, as running back Isaac Guerendo is expected to return for their Monday night showdown with the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Guerendo had missed last week’s game against the Miami Dolphins due to a hamstring injury.
Guerendo’s anticipated return comes at a critical juncture for the 49ers, who have seen their running back depth chart decimated by injuries. Star running back Christian McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve with a knee issue, while key backups Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Jordan Mason (ankle) also landed on IR.
Stepping Up in McCaffrey’s Absence
With McCaffrey sidelined, Guerendo had assumed the starting role in Weeks 14 and 15 against the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams. The speedy back showcased his potential in those contests:
- Week 14 vs Bears: 19 carries, 78 yards
- Week 15 vs Rams: 12 carries, 57 yards
However, Guerendo suffered a hamstring injury of his own, along with a foot sprain, in the loss to the Rams. Those ailments kept him out of last week’s game against Miami, forcing the 49ers to turn to practice squad callup Patrick Taylor Jr.
Taylor’s Struggles as Lead Back
With Guerendo unavailable, Taylor drew the start against the Dolphins but found little running room. The journeyman back managed just 24 yards on 8 carries and caught one pass for a single yard. The 49ers’ normally potent rushing attack sputtered without their top options.
“It’s the nature of the position. You’re going to take some hits, and you’re going to get nicked up. We’ve just been hit with a lot of injuries in a short time.”
– 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the team’s RB injuries
Reinforcements on the Way
Guerendo practiced in a limited fashion late last week and appears to have made good progress with his hamstring. Barring any setbacks, he is in line to regain his starting role against Detroit.
If Guerendo does indeed suit up, he’ll be backed up by Taylor and rookie Israel Abanikanda. Practice squad member Ke’Shawn Vaughn could also be elevated to provide additional depth.
Fantasy Implications
For fantasy football managers still competing in their playoffs, Guerendo’s return provides a boost at the depleted running back position. While the 49ers’ rushing attack hasn’t been as fearsome without McCaffrey, Guerendo still warrants RB2 consideration based on the projected volume he should receive.
The Lions defense has been vulnerable on the ground, allowing the 6th most rushing yards per game this season. Guerendo has a chance to deliver a solid fantasy performance if he can capitalize on a favorable matchup.
Steady the Ship
At 7-8, the 49ers find themselves barely clinging to the NFC’s final Wild Card spot. Every game is crucial as they look to secure their postseason berth over the season’s final two weeks.
Getting Guerendo back should help stabilize an offense that clearly missed McCaffrey’s dynamic presence. If he can approach the production he flashed in his two starts, the 49ers will feel much better about their chances of making noise in January.
The 49ers and Lions kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night in a game that promises to have major playoff implications in the jumbled NFC. All eyes will be on Guerendo to see if he can inject life into San Francisco’s suddenly stagnant ground game.
