...
By Sean Treppedi
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The ongoing epidemic in the San Fransisco 49ers' backfield just spread a bit further.
49ers running back Isaac Guerendo San Fransisco is officially listed as out for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, as per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"After losing RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and Elijah Mitchell to season-ending injuries, it now looks as if the 49ers will be without RB Isaac Guerendo for Sunday's game vs. Miami. Guerendo is dealing with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play, per source," Schefter posted on X.
Read More on NFL
Guerendo hurt his hamstring in his first career NFL start in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears when he was tackled by a couple of defenders and landed at the bottom of a pile.
More NFL: Bills OL Credits Josh Allen's Engagement to Hailee Steinfeld for Great Season
After exiting the game with a questionable designation, Guerendo returned for the 49ers' 12-6 loss against the Los Angeles Rams on short rest.
...
The fourth-round draft selection tallied 21 fewer yards on one more carry than his production from the week prior. Also having punched in two touchdowns against the Bears, Guerendo struggled with the rest of the 49ers' offense to achieve points in the end zone.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is down to Patrick Taylor Jr. and Israel Abanikanda as his next available options to run the football.
Taylor Jr. has spent most of his four-year NFL career on practice squads. The 49ers signed him in April and waived him in November so they could re-sign him onto their practice squad.
He's recorded carries in three games this season, one of which included a touchdown for the former undrafted free agent against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 8.
Otherwise, Taylor Jr. has posted 3.6 yards per carry across his career.
Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round draft selection by the New York Jets, would be making his 49ers debut. He appeared in six games for New York last season and posted 43 total yards in limited action.
The 49ers 2024 campaign is all but not over. The defending NFC Champions have face-planted to last place standing in the NFC East at 6-8.
They've lost four of their previous five games and pivot to another inconsistent team in the 6-8 Dolphins, who — albeit slim — still have a more possible route into the playoffs than San Fransisco does.
For those curious, Miami would need to conquer the 49ers and win their following two games while the Indianapolis Colts lose at least one game and the Los Angeles Chargers lose two games or the Denver Broncos lose out.
In order for the 49ers to make the cut, they not only would have to win their last three games, but a quite specific and convoluted scenario involving the Rams, Seahawks, and Cardinals that involves losses and ties would need to happen.
This leaves the 49ers' chances below one percent, so it's best to look at the game of musical chairs in the backfield as a tryout for next season, whether it be on the 49ers or elsewhere.
More NFL: Kurt Warner Slams Trade Rumors Suggesting 49ers Move Brock Purdy for Sam Darnold
For more on the 49ers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines