LISTEN: The 49ers Get Snowplowed In Buffalo →
placeholder image

Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images


How 49ers rookie Isaac Guerendo has benefitted from Christian McCaffrey’s mentorship

Nov 4, 2024 at 4:43 PM

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

Isaac Guerendo is navigating his first NFL season, and though the San Francisco 49ers rookie running back has only logged 37 carries for 227 yards through eight games, he boasts an impressive 6.1 yards per carry, thanks to some big runs. His 6.1-yard average leads all rookie running backs with more than 15 carries.

This week, the 49ers' backfield got a boost as the team opened the practice window for Christian McCaffrey, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. There's a strong chance McCaffrey could suit up for Sunday's road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

RELATED 49ers open Christian McCaffrey's practice window, eye potential return

Despite being sidelined all season due to Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey has been a great mentor to Guerendo, who has been eager to soak up knowledge from the veteran star.

"It's been great. I'm excited for him to be back," Guerendo told reporters on Monday. "I know he's excited to be back. You know how hard he's been working, so I'm excited for it."

Guerendo's opportunities may decrease once McCaffrey returns to his usual workload. Still, the rookie praised the coaching staff for keeping the running backs ready for whenever their numbers are called—a preparedness that has allowed younger players to step up all season.

When it comes to learning from McCaffrey, Guerendo identified a key area he hopes to improve.

"Definitely, I would say change of direction," Guerendo noted. "The efficiency in and out of cuts that he has is probably like [no one] else. So just continuing to develop that for myself, I'm excited to get to do it, and I think being able to watch him do that more and stuff at practice, it'll definitely motivate me."

Though McCaffrey hasn't been able to contribute on the field, his presence has been invaluable as a mentor to Guerendo and other young players working to find their footing in the NFL. However, it's not just McCaffrey who has provided that valuable guidance.

"He's been a great help, even when he's been [sidelined]," Guerendo explained. "Being able to still ask him questions and stuff like that has been very helpful. But when you talk about mentorship, just in general, this whole team has been great. I've got guys on the defensive side of the ball who are helping me, whether it's off-the-field stuff or on.

"So, I think that's been exciting. It's such a positive environment here, and I think that's what makes this team so special."

Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article?
Report it.
Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

Why the 49ers aren't using Mason or Guerendo since McCaffrey's return

By David Bonilla
Nov 28

Since returning from an Achilles tendinitis issue, Christian McCaffrey has dominated the San Francisco 49ers' backfield, playing 88% of the offensive snaps. In contrast, Jordan Mason has seen just 8% of the snaps since McCaffrey's return, while Isaac Guerendo has played only...


placeholder image

49ers to rely on rookie Guerendo; Shanahan reflects on Williams' personal tragedy

By David Bonilla
Dec 2

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for rookie running back Isaac Guerendo to take on the primary ball-carrying duties for the remainder of the season. Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, the team's top two running backs, are expected to be placed on injured reserve...


placeholder image

49ers vs. Bills injury updates: Christian McCaffrey (knee) ruled out

By David Bonilla
Dec 1

The San Francisco 49ers entered Sunday night's matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium without several key players. Defensive end Nick Bosa, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and tackle Trent Williams were among seven players listed as inactive for the prime-time...


placeholder image

49ers fear Christian McCaffrey suffered potentially season-ending PCL injury

By David Bonilla
Dec 1

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Sunday night that the team fears running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a right posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during the game against the Buffalo Bills. The injury could potentially end McCaffrey's...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone