The battle inside the San Francisco 49ers running back room was already going to be fiercely intense heading into the 2026 season.
Unfortunately, after a disappointing offseason setback, Issac Guerendo might have cost himself a roster spot at organized team activities before training camp has fully begun.
According to earlier reports out of OTAs,Guerendo suffered a torn pectoral during a weightlifting session and is expected to miss crucial portions of the offseason program. Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated Guerendo may not participate until late in training camp.
Despite the injury occurring off the practice field, the timing of it all couldn't be worse for a player already fighting to re-establish his place on the roster.
When Guerendo was drafted back in 2024, he showed tremendous upside, rushing for 420 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry. The combination of size and blazing speed made him one of the more intriguing raw-talented backs in San Francisco's offense. There was a ton of hope that he could eventually become a reliable complement to superstar tailback Christian McCaffrey, put into focus when CMC missed the bulk of Guerendo's rookie year because of injuries.
Unfortunately for Guerendo, the momentum from his rookie season quickly disappeared in 2025.
He spent most of the year on special teams and failed to record an offensive snap despite appearing in 14 games. There were concerns about his durability and consistency within Shanahan's intricate system.
Now, the Niners running back room has become even more crowded. They added additional talent through the draft and free agency, including rookie Kaelon Black and veterans Jordan Mims and Jermar Jefferson. Not to mention the young and hungry Jordan James, who's reportedly been climbing the depth chart and earning praise from within the building.
Missing crucial practice time can be a hindernce for any player, but especially for one in a position where Shanahan typically demands reliability and availbility. It doesn't mean Guerendo will be released before the regular season because talent still matters, and San Francisco has seen enough flashes to keep him around for a bit longer.
But it's still not a helpful development.
Injuries have derailed his growth, and another missed offseason may have cost Guerendo an opportunity to lock up a long-term role in the Bay Area.
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