The San Francisco 49ers are getting smacked around by Murphy's Law this season, as new pitfalls are popping up at seemingly every juncture. The injuries have been too much to bear, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The running back room has been decimated.
Christian McCaffrey has played in just a handful of games, which has already taken a giant chunk out of San Francisco's overall effectiveness. Jordan Mason has looked great in his stead, but his season is over due to another injury. It was Isaac Guerendo's time to shine during his rookie campaign.
The Niners' fourth-rounder had looked quite solid when given the chance, but he has come down with a hamstring ailment that could put his availability for the final three games of the season in jeopardy.
At the very least, Guerendo will need to sit one of these games out in the latest blow to this roster.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Guerendo will be unable to suit up for San Francisco in Week 16's game against old friend Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins. This comes after three separate season-ending injuries between McCaffrey, Mason, and Elijah Mitchell.
Can the offseason hurry up and get here already?
49ers running back Isaac Guerendo out vs. Dolphins in Week 16
Despite being the backup to Houston Texans practice squad back Jawhar Jordan in college, the 49ers took the Louisville sensation after he blew up the combine with a 4.33 40-yard dash at 221 pounds and one of the best RAS scores for any running back in recorded history.
Guerendo has looked better than most late fourth-round picks, as he has amassed 381 yards on 5.2 yards per carry while scoring four touchdowns. While head coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme makes things easier on him, Guerendo has shown the same blend of power and speed that San Francisco fell in love with during the draft.
With Guerendo out, expect former Green Bay Packers backup Patrick Taylor to earn the lion's share of carries against Miami (and possibly other teams). Israel Abanikanda, who was recently picked up after being released by the New York Jets, has some big-play potential after rushing for 20 touchdowns in his final college season.
The 49ers' season from hell wouldn't go out quietly, as they are depriving them of the chance to see a few more Guerendo reps in a lost season.
The best thing that can be said about the 2024 campaign for San Francisco is that it is almost over.