While the San Francisco 49ers injury problems stack up and their list of players on IR balloons to 16, they actually got some good news on running back Isaac Guerendo leading up to their Week 17 matchup with the Detroit Lions.
Guerendo initially battled a foot injury in Week 14, but recovered in time to play in Week 15’s Thursday night matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. In that game he hurt his hamstring and missed Week 16.
Here’s the latest on the 49ers’ rookie RB:
Isaac Guerendo injury update
Guerendo was limited in Thursday and Friday’s practices, but was a full participant Saturday. The team didn’t list him on the injury report and head coach Kyle Shanahan said Guerendo looked good in practice.
“Yeah, it was good to have him back,” said Shanahan. “We had a full-speed practice yesterday and he looked good. So, no holdbacks, he’s good to go.”
How long was Isaac Guerendo out?
Guerendo only missed one game, but he dealt with hamstring issues during his college career. It didn’t cost him a ton of time, but a foot injury followed immediately by a hamstring injury is concerning when trying to project him having a consistent, substantial role in the offense.
49ers RB depth chart
With Guerendo healthy, expect him to have an outsized role in the 49ers’ offense. His backup, Patrick Taylor, was scarcely used as the starter when Guerendo was out. The 49ers fourth-round pick has been an impactful rusher and pass catcher, and he appears to be the only RB on the roster Shanahan trusts to get real touches. Israel Abanikanda is also on the active roster behind Guerendo and Taylor. Ke’Shawn Vaughn may also be up from the practice squad.
