Isaac Guerendo Take the Reins: 49ers’ Young RB Poised to Become the New Face of the Franchise’s Backfield
San Francisco 49ers rookie Isaac Guerendo didn’t transition to playing running back until he arrived at Wisconsin. Before that, he was a wide receiver but understood a position change was necessary at the collegiate level.
That carried throughout his college career, even after transferring to Louisville. His versatility and work ethic eventually caught the eye of the 49ers, who selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Injuries have ravaged the 49ers’ roster this season, and the running back room has been no exception. With Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason likely sidelined for the rest of the season, Guerendo will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Despite the challenge, Guerendo feels prepared for the increased workload, crediting the team’s “next-man-up” mentality and the work of his position coach, Bobby Turner. Turner ensures all running backs prepare as if they’re the starter, a philosophy that allows the 49ers to maintain offensive rhythm regardless of who is in the backfield.
Guerendo has already shown flashes of potential this season, carrying the ball 42 times for 246 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and averaging nearly six yards per attempt.
“I think he’s ready to go,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. “He got off to a late start with injuries in preseason. I thought he finished in those games, especially that kick return he had versus the Raiders, I think. He did some decent things when he started out. Didn’t get a lot of carries, had some ups and downs, but got better through everything.
“And then, when he got the bulk of the carries—I want to say some more versus Seattle—he only got better, and he’s gotten better throughout the year. So I think he’s ready for this.”
