SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Isaac Guerendo has faced limited opportunities since transitioning from high school wide receiver to running back in college. However, with the San Francisco 49ers dealing with injuries to key players Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, Guerendo’s situation is about to change significantly, as he prepares to take on the primary running back role for the team.
Guerendo is set to make only his second career start this Sunday as the 49ers (5-7) take on the Chicago Bears (4-8). “I’m excited,” he expressed on Wednesday, adding, “But really it’s whatever it takes to win. Whatever the plan looks like is what we’ll bring.”
The game plan appears to feature Guerendo prominently, with Patrick Taylor, who has had 72 career carries over four NFL seasons, and Israel Abanikanda—recently acquired from the Jets—being the only other running backs available for Sunday’s matchup. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan noted that Guerendo’s growth since training camp has equipped him for this new responsibility, mentioning that he has been running with increased “urgency.”
Shanahan explained, “I think it takes guys some time. You start to get a feel for it the more you get your reps. It’s about understanding how quickly holes close and how to hit them decisively. We’ve seen remarkable improvement in both practice and games.” Guerendo showcased his potential earlier in the season with notable performances, such as 10 carries for 99 yards in a win against Seattle and a strong showing against Dallas where he had 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. He also scored the only touchdown for the 49ers in last week’s game against Buffalo.
Throughout the season, Guerendo has gained 246 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns on 42 carries, and he feels ready for an increased workload, thanks in part to the training he has received from position coach Bobby Turner. “I always give credit to Coach T for preparing everybody as if they are going to start,” he noted. “That way, when these opportunities arise, you’re equipped for them.”
Guerendo began his football journey as a receiver in high school before switching to running back during his time at Wisconsin, where he served primarily as a backup behind stars like Jonathan Taylor and Braelon Allen. For the 2023 season, he transferred to Louisville, where he shared carries with Jawhar Jordan, finishing with 132 carries for 810 yards. His breakout moment came during the Holiday Bowl, where he rushed for 161 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries against Southern California, solidifying his position as a fourth-round draft pick by San Francisco.
Having spent time with McCaffrey, who has faced a challenging season himself, Guerendo has gained invaluable insights. McCaffrey, who has been sidelined with injuries this year, addressed his struggles on Instagram, acknowledging the challenges he has faced. He remarked, “This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder to come back better from this.”
As Guerendo steps into this vital role, he remains focused on contributing decisively to the 49ers’ efforts in the coming games.
