Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, starting in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, exited for the locker room with just over six minutes remaining in the game and did not return. Guerendo capped his day with 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
When asked about Guerendo's status, Shanahan said, "We're not sure. Possible foot sprain. X-rays didn't for sure show anything, so we'll have to look into it more tomorrow."
RELATED
Ben Bartch, filling in for left guard Aaron Banks (concussion), went down during the 49ers' second offensive drive and was later carted to the locker room. Shanahan confirmed that Bartch suffered a high-ankle sprain. Spencer Burford took over at left guard for the remainder of the game.
The 49ers also had a brief scare in the fourth quarter when quarterback Brock Purdy took a hard hit and stayed on the ground momentarily. Purdy managed to walk off the field under his own power, missing just one play before returning.
"It was just a weird hit," Purdy said. "My body was in an awkward position, and, for me, never really been in a situation like that, so I was just sort of in shock. I felt some stuff within my body, and I was just letting myself cool down. That's why I went out for a play, and just making sure I was being smart about it, and I was fine. My body was good and went back in, and I'm good."
With a quick turnaround before hosting the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, the 49ers face a potential running back shortage if Guerendo cannot play. Patrick Taylor, who contributed 25 yards and a touchdown on seven carries against the Bears, would likely start if Guerendo is sidelined.
When asked what Taylor can do for the offense if Guerendo can't suit up, Shanahan said, "I think you guys saw a little bit today. When we've given Patrick runs, going back to the preseason and in practice, he's a good runner. He hits the right spots, he runs hard. So he's a guy who can definitely help us."
Reflecting on past contributions, Shanahan added, "He had some big carries, I want to say, versus Seattle. I think it was when JP (Jordan Mason) went out, and he was spelling Isaac, and he had to spell Isaac today. And when he went in, he did a good job on all his opportunities."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Shanahan falls just short of AP's top 3 NFL head coaches
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is widely regarded as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds. His performance last season—leading an injury-riddled roster to a 12-win campaign and a playoff berth—only strengthened that reputation. However, it wasn't enough... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan labeled 'best in the business' by NFC West rival coach
The San Francisco 49ers opened last season with a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. The NFC West rivals didn't meet again until the regular-season finale, when first place in the division and home-field advantage were on the line. This time, the Seahawks went... -
Former 49ers safety makes bold prediction about Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers made a major effort this offseason to improve their wide receiver room. The biggest addition was veteran Mike Evans, who gives quarterback Brock Purdy a reliable boundary and red-zone target unlike any receiver he has had during his NFL career. The... -
Brandon Aiyuk throws shade at Kyle Shanahan, 49ers
Disgruntled wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to take shots at the San Francisco 49ers on social media. This time, Aiyuk sarcastically suggested the 49ers want him back—a scenario that, at this point, seems highly unlikely. In the process, he also appeared to take a...