4 players the 49ers need to step up in NFC West bout vs. Rams

49ers running back Isaac Guerendo

We all know that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is not a big rotation guy when it comes to his running backs. He and running backs coach Bobby Turner are hot-hand guys, who like to ride a player who is having success as long as they can.

But with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel both out, that means that the offense is missing two options for the backfield, as Samuel has essentially been WR1 and RB2 through two games this season, spelling running back Jordan Mason on 10 carries so far.

And while Mason has been electric thus far in 2024, sitting just behind J.K. Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers for the league lead in rushing yards through two weeks, the Niners need to give him a break from time to time, which is why another runner must step up.

Cue rookie Isaac Guerendo, who hasn't seen much action during the first two games of his rookie season, carrying the ball just once for zero yards while playing just four offensive and 13 special teams snaps.

But Shanahan needs to find someone he can trust to give Mason a break, and Guerendo's skill set is one that could provide a different look from the bruising power that Mason provides.

It will be up to the rookie to find his footing and take advantage of the opportunities when they come.