San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo showed promise as a rookie last season, averaging five yards per carry. Injuries across the roster created opportunities for the young back, who finished the year with 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (three starts). He also contributed in the passing game, recording 15 receptions for 152 yards.

When the 49ers traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings, Guerendo appeared to be the frontrunner for the No. 2 role behind star running back Christian McCaffrey. A shoulder injury during training camp, however, slowed his perceived momentum.


The situation became even more complicated when San Francisco acquired Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders just before the final preseason game. That move immediately pushed Guerendo down the depth chart, removing any realistic shot at starting the 2025 season as McCaffrey's primary backup.

Even before Robinson's arrival, rookie Jordan James had been making a strong case to be the first back off the bench. But James' finger injury has added even more uncertainty to the 49ers' running back rotation after McCaffrey and Robinson.

So, has Guerendo gotten lost in San Francisco's backfield competition? Or is he still a part of the coaching staff's plans?

"I don't think that he's gotten lost," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. "I just think he's competing. I think he was the third back last year, then a couple guys got hurt, and he got an opportunity, and I thought he did well in his opportunity. But that didn't mean he was the first or second back all of a sudden. He had to come into camp and still compete with guys."

Shanahan pointed to Guerendo's early training camp setback as a key factor in the reshuffling of the depth chart. The 49ers coach also noted that Robinson's proven track record gave him an immediate edge.


"He (Guerendo) got hurt really early and missed a lot of time to compete," Shanahan added. "We brought Brian in. We've studied him over his career and based off of that, we put him ahead of him. That's how we are starting out, and we'll see how it goes throughout the year."

For now, it appears Guerendo faces an uphill battle to reclaim a significant role in the 49ers' offense. Still, he may yet find another opportunity to prove his value in San Francisco's now-crowded backfield.

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