Isaac Guerendo taking pressure off 49ers' injury losses at running back

In a season in which the injury bug hit the San Francisco 49ers hard, last week it got even worse. After a 35-10 pummeling in Week 13 at the hands of the Buffalo Bills, the Niners received some unfortunate updates in the following days.

The top two running backs, Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, went on injured reserve just days after the game in Buffalo. That left rookie Issac Guerendo as the No. 1 running back going into the Week 14 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

Through one half against the Bears, Guerendo has not disappointed in his first start for San Francisco.

He was stopped for no gain on his first carry of the 49ers' first offensive drive, but Guerendo quickly made up for that on the following play, bringing in a 23-yard reception.

Two drives later, the fourth-round draft pick out of Louisville bailed quarterback Brock Purdy out and caught a 27-yard pass, as the Bears had pressure right in Purdy's face. That play took the Niners to the 1-yard line.

Sure enough, Guerendo punched the ball into the end zone one play later for the touchdown.

Guerendo finished the first half with 50 yards rushing and one touchdown. He also had two receptions for 50 yards receiving.

The 49ers lead the Bears 24-0 at the half, and a big part of it is the efficiency of Guerendo. He will need to keep up his offensive production to ensure that they 49ers finish the game with a win.

Look for him to finish the game with over 145 scrimmage yards and another touchdown in the second half.

Read more from Niner Noise