The San Francisco 49ers‘ running-back room is as strong as it has been in some time.
With 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, the acquisition of Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders, plus rookie fifth-round pick Jordan James, there is talent galore in San Francisco’s backfield.
Yet, Isaac Guerendo is also still there after his breakout, 420-yard, four-touchdown rookie season, and Niners coach Kyle Shanahan spoke about Guerendo and stated why the 2024 fourth-round pick from Louisville is not “lost” even though he listed along side James as San Francisco’s RB3.
What Did Kyle Shanahan Say About Isaac Guerendo?
Guerendo chipped in as a rushing and receiving threat, since he also caught 16 passes for 152 yards a season ago. When Jordan Mason signed with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, it appeared as if Guerendo would be in line for a potentially huge workload behind McCaffrey this year.
But fast forward about six months later, and Guerendo seems like the forgotten man. That prompted a reporter to ask Shanahan about the other incumbent — aside from McCaffrey — in the Niners backfield.
“I don’t think he’s gotten lost,” Shanahan said. “I just think he’s competing.”
Shanahan cited Guerendo’s shoulder injury sustained about a month ago, as well as a lingering knee injury from the season finale against Arizona, that cost him playing reps in preseason games and practice.
Plus, Guerendo had just eight carries for 13 yards, and one catch for one yard, in his lone preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Those injuries, and his lackluster performance, may also have cost him the opportunity to win the Niners’ backup running back position.
“He had to come into camp and compete with guys and he got hurt really early and missed a lot of time to compete,” Shanahan said. “We brought Brian in, and we studied him over his career and based on that we put [Robinson] ahead of [Guerendo] and that’s how we are starting out, and we’ll see how it goes throughout the year.”
Still, Shanahan reminded fans about how Guerendo was an afterthought behind McCaffrey and Mason on the depth chart — and even potentially wide receiver Deebo Samuel — ahead of Week 1 last year.
But after McCaffrey was sidelined for all but four games, Guerendo forced his way on the field and was second on the team in carries (84), rushing yards and was tied for fourth on the team in all-purpose touchdowns (4). Still, that contribution didn’t earn him a starting role, according to Shanahan.
“I think he was the third back last year, and a couple of guys got hurt, and he got an opportunity,” Shanahan said. “I thought he did well in his opportunity, but that doesn’t mean he was the first or second back all of a sudden.”
What Is Isaac Guerendo’s Role On the 49ers?
Guerendo may be the No. 3 RB on the depth chart, but he is almost certain to get reps on the 49ers special teams.
He played 29 percent of the 49ers‘ special-teams plays in 2024 and should be the team’s primary kickoff returner, with Samuel gone to Washington. Guerendo averaged 27.2 yards per kickoff return in six chances last year.
Kyle Shanahan Sends Strong Message on 49ers ‘Lost’ RB After Offseason Moves