At the tail end of training camp last summer, it appeared as if the San Francisco 49ers would boast one of the deepest and best running back rooms in the NFL, a crop that effectively had to bid farewell to an old-time fan-favorite, Jeff Wilson Jr., after his preseason addition simply because there wasn't enough room to roster him.
Behind the duo of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey and the recently added Brian Robinson Jr., second-year pro Isaac Guerendo figured to make good on what was a promising rookie effort in 2024.
And there were plenty of reasons to believe he would.
Guerendo, who ended up filling a key void the previous season in light of injuries to McCaffrey and now-Minnesota Vikings tailback Jordan Mason, started three games his rookie year and rushed for 420 yards on 84 attempts with three touchdowns, averaging 5 yards per carry, while also tacking on 152 yards on 15 catches.
Now, though, it appears as if Guerendo is no longer in the Niners' short- and long-term plans.
49ers appear to have already closed the door on Isaac Guerendo
Granted, a massive difference impacting the Round 4 draft pickup out of Louisville is the fact McCaffrey has been wholly healthy this season, a stark contrast to what San Francisco endured a year ago.
With Robinson admirably serving as a quality RB2 to McCaffrey, there's been awfully little room for Guerendo to have an impact.
But it's been shocking how little Guerendo has contributed.
Through 13 weeks, the second-year pro has seen precisely zero offensive snaps. Forget carries and targets. He hasn't even been on the field with the 49ers offense.
While still contributing on special teams, Guerendo's use there, too, has diminished. He's seen his role as a kick-return specialist removed in favor of both Robinson and wide receiver Skyy Moore.
Looking ahead, and in light of the Niners' 2025 draft addition of Oregon tailback Jordan James, it's hard to guarantee a spot for Guerendo on the roster beyond this season. And it might be a case where San Francisco opts to move on in favor of other options, leaving Guerendo to an uncertain fate.