The San Francisco 49ers have faced a season riddled with injuries on the offensive side of the ball, making health a significant concern. Key players like Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey have struggled to stay on the field, with the duo managing to play in just 11 games combined. To make matters worse, they have yet to share the field for a single snap all year, leaving fans and fantasy managers alike anxious about their prospects.
Injury Woes: The Running Back Position
The running back position has been particularly hard-hit. Christian McCaffrey, the team’s starter, is currently on his second stint on injured reserve due to a knee issue. His backup, Jordan Mason, is also sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, creating a significant void in the backfield. With both of their top options out, the 49ers turned to rookie Isaac Guerendo, who was expected to step up and lead the charge for the remainder of the regular season.
Will Isaac Guerendo play this week? Injury update on 49ers’ RB
Unfortunately, Guerendo’s opportunity was jeopardized when he sprained his foot last week. Initially labeled as day-to-day, he did not practice at the start of the week but was later upgraded to limited participation during Wednesday’s practice. As a result, he has been listed as “questionable” for the upcoming Thursday night matchup against the Rams.
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
Given that Guerendo has yet to practice fully this week, his status remains uncertain. The anticipation surrounding his availability may linger until the inactives are announced 90 minutes before kickoff. However, Guerendo himself is optimistic about playing, stating he “feels good” and plans to test his injury during pre-game warm-ups.
With the fantasy football playoffs starting tonight:
49ers rookie RB Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night vs. the Rams despite his sprained foot that has left him being listed as questionable, per sources. Guerendo insists he “feels good.” pic.twitter.com/WClJ52lva3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2024
Isaac Guerendo’s Fantasy Outlook for Week 15
Before his injury, Guerendo had emerged as a standout performer, acting as a bell cow running back. He only ceded one carry to Patrick Taylor before going down and was incredibly effective, racking up 26.8 PPR points on 17 touches. With his impressive size (6-0, 221 pounds) and speed (4.33 40-yard dash), he thrived in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and was poised to be a potential league-winner for fantasy managers.
If Guerendo can suit up, he may still face limitations, but his value as the 49ers’ lead back is undeniable. For those who have him on their roster, he’s well worth starting. However, if he is unable to go, Patrick Taylor would likely take over as the primary back, making him an attractive option for a spot start.
49ers’ RB Depth Chart: Who is Isaac Guerendo’s Backup?
In the event that Guerendo is unable to play, the 49ers will have to dig deep into their running back depth chart. Patrick Taylor stepped in to close out last week’s game after Guerendo’s exit and would be the primary choice to lead the backfield in his absence. But don’t overlook the possibility of Ke’Shawn Vaughn or Israel Abanikanda mixing in to share the workload. Both players are relatively new to the team but could provide valuable support throughout the game.
For fantasy managers who didn’t pick up Taylor on waivers, it’s crucial to consult the latest RB rankings and sleepers to find a suitable replacement if Guerendo can’t take the field. The fantasy playoffs are on the line, and every decision counts!
Staying Updated
As the situation develops, be sure to check back for updates on Guerendo’s status leading up to the game. The 49ers are navigating a challenging landscape with injuries, and every bit of information can help you make the best lineup decisions. Whether you’re rooting for the 49ers or managing your fantasy roster, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable!
With the fantasy football playoffs upon us, every player’s status is crucial. Will Guerendo take the field, or will the 49ers have to rely on their depth? Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and good luck in your fantasy matchups this week!
