The 49ers host the Rams on Thursday Night Football. They’ve been losing running backs left and right, and now we’re awaiting final word on Isaac Guerendo’s game status.
The San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 15 Thursday Night Football game that is a must-win for both teams. Neither will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, but it would be devastating for their 2024 playoff chances.
It would be a bigger problem for San Francisco given their current last place position in the NFC West, and they might be shorthanded at running back in their attempts to win. Running back Isaac Guerendo is questionable for the game and expected to be a game-time decision.
Guerendo moved into the starting lineup after Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason both suffered injuries that resulted in them being placed on injured reserve. Late in last week’s win over the Bears, Guerendo suffered a foot injury. He did not participate in any of the team’s three practices. Although it was a light week of practice due to the short week before Thursday’s game, Guerendo was listed as questionable.
On Monday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media Guerendo wouldn’t practice, but the hope was that three days of rest would get him recovered enough to play in Week 15. On Thursday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Guerendo plans on playing after the running back said he “feels good” in spite of the injury.
Guerendo was having a solid game against the Bears before the injury. He left the game with 78 yards and two rushing touchdowns on a 5.2 yards per carry average. He also caught two passes for 50 yards. If he plays and can remain healthy, he is a strong RB2 with some RB1 upside. Based on Schefter’s report, the biggest concern right now is he is active and plays but aggravates the foot injury.
Patrick Taylor is Guerendo’s backup with Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda also on the roster. Taylor had 25 yards on seven carries complemnting Guerendo. If Guerendo is inactive, Taylor would get the start and have some RB2 upside in the 49ers offense. If Guerendo is active, Taylor should be benched. However, if you are shorthanded at running back, Taylor might be worth a spot in your starting lineup for two reasons. The first is he likely would see some spot work at worst, and the second is if Guerendo did aggravate his injury, Taylor would be the beneficiary. It’s a risky strategy, but one option if you’re desperate in your first round playoff matchup.
