The 49ers are going to be without another starting running back again this season when they visit the Dolphins in Week 16.
One of the most dangerous jobs in the world is playing running back for the San Francisco 49ers.
Even before the year began, the Niners were going to be without Elijah Mitchell, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve prior to Week 1, joined shortly thereafter by All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.
Granted, McCaffrey returned after eight weeks but then landed on IR again after just three games, suffering a PCL injury that likely ends his 2024 campaign.
But, wait. There’s more.
McCaffrey’s initial fill-in, Jordan Mason, suffered a high-ankle sprain the same week as McCaffrey’s injury, which also landed him on IR and probably keeps him out for the remainder of the year, too.
That left San Francisco with rookie rusher Isaac Guerendo as the would-be go-to option, yet he suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, jeopardizing his availability for the 49ers’ upcoming matchup on the road against the 6-8 Miami Dolphins.
On Friday prior to heading to South Beach, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided not-so-encouraging updates regarding his first-year tailback.
Isaac Guerendo ruled OUT for 49ers’ Week 16 game vs. Dolphins
Shanahan told reporters Guerendo wouldn’t be able to suit up for Sunday’s contest at Hard Rock Stadium.
Additionally, the following players made it on the Niners’ final Week 16 injury report:
| Player | Injury | Game designation |
|---|---|---|
| RB Isaac Guerendo | foot, hamstring | OUT |
| LT Trent Williams | ankle | OUT |
| DE Nick Bosa | hip, oblique | Questionable |
| LB Dre Greenlaw | Achilles, knee | Questionable |
| DE Robert Beal Jr. | ankle | Questionable |
Related story: Updated 49ers depth chart: Who is Isaac Guerendo’s backup?
With Guerendo ruled out, San Francisco will likely turn to reserve rusher Patrick Taylor Jr. to start, its fourth starting running back of the season.
Israel Abanikanda, picked up as a free agent after being let go by the New York Jets earlier this year, is expected to be the No. 2 behind Taylor, while practice squad runner Ke’Shawn Vaughn probably gets a gameday call-up.
Williams, meanwhile, misses what’ll be his fifth game in a row, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the 49ers shut down his season, opting to give swing tackle Jaylon Moore another start in the future Hall of Famer’s stead.
The Niners and Dolphins kick off on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 4:25 p.m. ET.
