Running back Isaac Guerendo is fast. And he's big. But the San Francisco 49ers rookie is a work in progress. His lone carry on offense this season didn't go well. He was stopped for no gain. But that doesn't matter to 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. He believes Guerendo will be ready when his number is called, which could be as soon as Sunday when the 49ers travel to face the Los Angeles Rams.
Shanahan sat down with Greg Papa on "49ers Game Plan" to discuss the upcoming matchup with the Rams. Papa asked about Guerendo, who hasn't played much so far. The rookie running back had a big kickoff return in preseason but hasn't seen the field much in the first two regular season games. And now with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel injured and missing some time, some are wondering if this could be the game we see more of the speedy running back.
"We're excited about Isaac," Shanahan said. "He's getting closer and closer to getting some more opportunities. We're down two backs with Christian and Elijah [Mitchell]. JP [Jordan Mason] has been doing a hell of a job these last two weeks and his stamina, the way he's been running, he hasn't needed to come out much, especially with Deebo in there. But now with Deebo not an option, Isaac is the next man up."
Mason has been a star in his first two starts, rushing for 147 and 100 yards in weeks one and two. His 247 yards rushing are second in the NFL, behind only J.K. Dobbins, of the Los Angeles Chargers. Through two weeks, Mason is tied with Green Bay's Josh Jacobs in attempts with 48. So the 49ers need some other running backs to step up and take some of the load off Mason.
The 49ers have Guerendo, along with Patrick Taylor, Jr., who is on the active roster, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn, a veteran running back who is on the 49ers practice squad. While it's more likely that one of the veteran players is first in line behind Mason, Shanahan suggested that Guerendo's time may be coming. The rookie running back missed part of training camp with an injury, which is part of the reason he's still a little behind.
"And especially with Deebo not an option at kick returner, he's the next man up," Shanahan added. "Isaac has a certain speed set that is a little different than our other backs. I'd compare him a little bit more to Raheem [Mostert] in the past. As Bobby [Turner] will say, Raheem's an eyelash faster. But Raheem is faster than everybody. Isaac's pretty damn close. And so that's an impressive thing. We really like him and when he gets his opportunity, I know he'll be ready, and it could be this Sunday."
Could Guerendo see the field more this Sunday against the Rams? It's possible, especially as a kick returner. His speed could be a difference-maker for the 49ers. If Shanahan can find ways to get Guerendo in space, he has the potential to score from anywhere on the field.
Guerendo is also in play to back up Mason, as well. And he could prove to be a legitimate weapon as a receiver out of the backfield.
Watch the entire interview below: