In Week 14, the San Francisco 49ers obliterated the Chicago Bears, but it came at a cost. Running back Isaac Guerendo suffered a foot injury which, at first, looked to be of the serious nature.
Niners fans have sadly grown used to eerily similar injuries throughout the past few years.
For some reason, running backs seem to go down left and right in San Francisco. It's almost a conspiracy at this point. We don't know how, but it just happens.
After watching Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and Christian McCaffrey all endure season-ending injuries at one point or another this season, the 49ers had to turn to the fourth-round rookie out of Louisville.
Guerendo has actually filled in here and there, this season, and performed admirably when called upon. On the year, he's averaging a healthy 5.7 yards per carry having rushed 57 times for 324 yards and four touchdowns.
He's been living proof, yet again, that Kyle Shanahan's offense is as friendly as any offense for both running backs and quarterbacks. And, with the season on the line, the Niners looked to be depending on Guerendo to be their guy for the remaining stretch.
However, after his injury and running on a short week, the Niners weren't sure whether or not they'd have Guerendo when they host the L.A. Rams for Thursday Night Football. Many believed the injury looked far worse, thus putting his status in severe doubt for the game. For a little while, we didn't know whether we'd see Guerendo or Patrick Taylor starting against the Rams.
Isaac Guerendo offered his own injury update prior to Thursday Night Football against the Rams
As of Thursday morning, Guerendo said he "feels good," according to Adam Schefter. He plans to play versus the Rams.
After missing practice both Monday and Tuesday due to the foot injury, Guerendo was listed as "limited" on Wednesday. As it turns out, the rookie isn't about to miss an opportunity to be part of a must-win game.
More 49ers news:
The Niners currently sit at 6-7 just behind the 7-6 Rams. With a win, San Francisco still needs help over the remaining three weeks. They'd technically lose the tiebreaker to L.A. due to having a worse divisional record on the year, even after a potential win Thursday night.
The Rams currently hold the no. 8 seed while the Niners are at no. 11. The seventh and final seed belongs to Washington at 8-5, who take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.
The best route for San Francisco to make the postseason, at this point, will likely be to win the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks currently lead it at 8-5, but take on the Green Bay Packers in prime time on Sunday Night Football this weekend. The next few days have the potential to bring the Niners within a game of the division lead.
In Week 16, Seattle takes on the Minnesota Vikings who only have 2 losses on the season. Meanwhile, the Niners will play the Dolphins. For what it's worth, the Rams travel to take on the Jets.
Needless to say, these last few weeks, we could see any of these three teams take over the division depending on just a handful of outcomes. And, we haven't even talked about the 6-7 Arizona Cardinals who are far from out of it, too. This divisional race is set for a photo finish, that's for sure.