3 under-the-radar 49ers to watch in Week 14 vs. struggling Bears

Going up against a scuffling Bears team in Week 14 presents these unheralded 49ers a chance to shine in an otherwise lackluster game.

The San Francisco 49ers' playoff hopes may still be alive, at least mathematically. But, for all intents and purposes, the 5-7 Niners are playing for 2025 and not too concerned with whether or not they make the postseason this year.

That makes Week 14's home bout against the 4-8 Chicago Bears somewhat meaningless, aside from the usual "finish strong" rhetoric that'll come from both teams in advance of Sunday's game at Levi's Stadium.

San Francisco is again dealing with plenty of injuries, which has been a theme all season. But, injuries do open up the door for others to step in and get valuable playing time, which can open further doors to increased roles and opportunities next year and beyond.

If anything, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have already started the offseason evaluation process, determining who should stick around and who might be shown the door once 2025 rolls around.

That makes Sunday's contest against Chicago a vital one, especially for these three unheralded players.

No. 1: RB Isaac Guerendo

The 49ers never envisioned having both running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason sidelined on injured reserve this season, but that's ultimately the case. The former suffered a PCL injury in Week 13 and is likely done for the year, while Mason's regular-season return from a high-ankle sprain seems doubtful.

So, by default, the Niners' next go-to option is the rookie, Isaac Guerendo, who has flashed moments of promise this season despite being in both McCaffrey and Mason's combined shadow.

The first-year pro out of Louisville is already averaging 5.9 yards per carry this season, and he can justify San Francisco using a fourth-round draft pick on him by showcasing his talents as a starter against Chicago's defense.

No. 2: DE Yetur Gross-Matos

After missing the first half of the season with a knee injury suffered during the preseason, reserve defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos hasn't had an adequate amount of time to fully acclimate to his new squad after joining the 49ers as a free agent last offseason.

However, with defensive end Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) listed as doubtful, Gross-Matos gets a chance to start opposite the Niners' other veteran pass-rusher, Leonard Floyd, against a Bears quarterback in Caleb Williams who is prone to taking sacks at an enormous pace:

Gross-Matos is signed through 2025, so it's not as if he's effectively playing for his next contract down the final stretch.

But he is presented with an opportunity now to determine what kind of role he'll have with San Francisco next season and potentially beyond.

The prospects for a bigger role will increase with a strong outing in Week 14.

No. 3: OL Ben Bartch

Starting left guard Aaron Banks is questionable after suffering a concussion in Week 12 and missing the following week's bout against the Buffalo Bills, which led to hardly talked-about backup lineman Ben Bartch getting the start.

By all accounts, Bartch handled his duties well in that game against a formidable Bills defense, leading some to conclude he might work his way into the 49ers' starting lineup in 2025 if Banks, a free agent to be, ultimately departs this offseason.

Even if Banks re-signs, or if the 49ers find his replacement elsewhere, Bartch is playing for his next contract.

That could be with the Niners or somewhere else, and it could be as a go-to backup or perhaps as a starter.

It's a lot on the line.

San Francisco and Chicago kick off on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4:25 p.m. ET

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