49ers Face Uncertainty as Guerendo Undergoes Further Evaluation

The San Francisco 49ers are once again contending with a blow to their running back corps, as Isaac Guerendo exited Sunday’s commanding victory over the Chicago Bears with a foot injury. With a quick turnaround before Thursday night’s matchup against the Rams, the team remains uncertain about Guerendo’s availability.

Guerendo Exits Early with Foot Injury

Guerendo, who stepped in as San Francisco’s lead back due to injuries sidelining Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, left the game in the second half. Though initially labeled “questionable to return,” the team’s comfortable lead made it unnecessary for him to re-enter.

Following the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed Guerendo’s condition but provided only limited details.

“Possible foot sprain,” Shanahan noted, as reported by David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. “X-rays didn’t for sure show anything, so we’ll have to look into it more tomorrow.”

Guerendo’s Stellar Performance Cut Short

Before his injury, Guerendo had a standout performance, showcasing his versatility and ability to carry the offense. He amassed 78 rushing yards on 15 carries, scoring two touchdowns, and added 50 yards on two receptions. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s decisive victory and highlighted his capability as a reliable option in an injury-depleted backfield.

Patrick Taylor Poised to Step Up

If Guerendo is sidelined for Thursday’s game, Patrick Taylor will likely take over as the lead back. Taylor made the most of his opportunities against the Bears, tallying 25 rushing yards on seven carries and capping his day with a 3-yard touchdown run.

Shanahan expressed confidence in Taylor’s readiness to take on an expanded role.

“When we’ve given Patrick runs, going back to the preseason and in practice, he’s a good runner,” Shanahan said. “He hits the right spots, he runs hard. So he’s a guy who can definitely help us.”

Awaiting Monday’s Injury Report

With a shortened week ahead, the 49ers will release their first injury report on Monday, shedding more light on Guerendo’s status. The team is hopeful for positive news, but the short timeline leaves little room for recovery if the injury proves significant.

For a team already battling a string of injuries in the backfield, Guerendo’s potential absence could force Shanahan to make further adjustments to maintain momentum heading into their Thursday night clash with the Rams.