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 year. The two most significant injuries were to 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. With injuries piling up, the 49ers have faced significant challenges in their running back depth.
49ers’ RB Depth Chart: Who is Isaac Guerendo’s Backup?
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. However, Guerendo suffered an injury of his own last week and is in danger of missing a Thursday night matchup with the Rams.
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.
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 Guerendo as “questionable” for Thursday’s game. 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. The anticipation surrounding his potential return is palpable, especially for fantasy managers who have relied on him in their lineups.
Isaac Guerendo fantasy outlook Week 15
Guerendo 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.
Injury Report: Key Players Missing Time
The 49ers are not just dealing with running back injuries. They have also ruled out key players like LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) for Thursday night’s game against the Rams. Additionally, DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), RB Isaac Guerendo (foot), and LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) are listed as questionable. This injury report could significantly impact the team’s performance as they head into a crucial matchup.
As we look ahead, the 49ers’ ability to adapt and find effective replacements will be essential. With injuries affecting multiple positions, the coaching staff will need to get creative to ensure the offense remains competitive.
Week 15 Fantasy Football Rankings
As we enter Week 15, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on the 49ers’ roster moves and injury updates. The landscape of fantasy football can change rapidly, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. Make sure to check out the latest rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, D/ST, and kickers to stay ahead of the competition.
In this unpredictable season, every decision counts. Whether it’s starting Guerendo if he plays, or pivoting to Patrick Taylor, staying informed is key. The 49ers’ offense may be battling injuries, but there are still opportunities to capitalize on the situation.
The NFL landscape is always shifting, and the 49ers’ current injury woes illustrate just how quickly things can change. Keep your fingers crossed for Guerendo’s recovery, and stay tuned for updates as we approach the game against the Rams. The excitement of fantasy football lies in its unpredictability, and this week is shaping up to be no different!
