Isaac

Guerendo

Shanahan expressed no concerns about McCaffrey’s 2025 status after he missed much of the 2024 season with an ongoing Achilles injury. CMC totaled 348 yards over four games last season, posting the lowest rushing success rate of his NFL career. Shanahan complimented Isaac Guerendo, who “ran harder as the year went, which is a good sign.” This offseason, the 49ers parted ways with RB Jordan Mason, who was traded to the Vikings. Guerendo started three games and averaged a healthy five yards per carry on 84 rushing attempts last season. He could be used as a complement to McCaffrey in 2025 if the Niners are intent on keeping the veteran healthy and upright in his ninth NFL season.

“Given the injury histories of [Christian] McCaffrey and [Isaac] Guerendo — as well as the running back riches in this year’s draft,” Barrows begins before noting that the 49ers could go down this road after parting ways with Jordan Mason on Sunday. It’s probable that Guerendo will start the year as the main McCaffrey backup in San Francisco, but the consistent drumbeat that a running back could be taken in this draft leaves us to believe the 49ers aren’t exactly locked in on him keeping that role long term.

The Vikings receive Mason and the No. 187 overall pick in this year’s draft, while the 49ers get pick No. 160 in this year’s draft and a 2026 sixth-rounder. After trading for Mason, the Vikings immediately signed him to a two-year deal that includes $7 million in guaranteed money and a max value of $12 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Mason, who will be 26 at the start of next season, played a key role for the 49ers last season during Christian McCaffrey’s time away. Playing as a near-every down back, Mason rushed for 153-789-3 last season while also catching 11 passes for another 91 yards. Mason appeared in 12 games last season but didn’t see the field again after a Week 13 game against the Bills. This trade creates an immediate threat to Aaron Jones’ fantasy value this season, as the Vikings now have two formidable backs to swap in and out of a committee — something they said they hoped to do more of in 2025. As far as the 49ers are concerned, Isaac Guerendo immediately moves into the RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey. Assuming the 49ers don’t add another back of note in the draft or free agency, Guerendo should be viewed as one of the top handcuffs in fantasy, especially after the strong rushing numbers he posted as a rookie (84-420-4) in limited action. Both Jones and Mason will have fantasy relevance this season, but Jones could still have the inside edge to offer more upside as the likely third-down/pass-catching back.

The tender is worth $5.3 million for one year. Mason can negotiate with other teams and the 49ers are free to match any offer he gets. If they choose not to, the team signing him gives up a second-round pick. For that reason, it’s safe to say Mason is sticking in the Bay Area for 2025. With Elijah Mitchell gone, Mason will compete with second-year back Isaac Guerendo for RB2 duties. The backup to Christian McCaffrey has some value as an insurance option for fantasy purposes, but it’s tough to say who that player is before the offseason program ramps up. It’s a waiting game for early fantasy drafters.

Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, Lynch said McCaffrey was “doing really well” in his recovery from the Achilles tendinitis and PCL injuries that limited him to just four games last season. McCaffrey will be 29 at the start of next season, and his injury-plagued 2024 only serves as a reminder for how quickly a running back’s career can go sideways. While he’s expected to serve as the 49ers’ RB1 if healthy, the Niners need to figure out what to do at the position outside of McCaffrey. Explosive second-year player Isaac Guerendo spent a lot of last year hurt, and last year’s leading rusher, Jordan Mason ended last year on IR and could draw interest as a restricted free agent. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 49ers address running back via the draft or free agency. CMC appears to be on the path toward a return as Plan A for the 49ers next season.

Specifically, Barrows assigns them a third-round running back in a mock draft while noting that Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and Isaac Guerendo all struggled with injury issues this year. It doesn’t sound like dynasty leaguers should feel too safe about forecasting Guerendo as the running back of the future in San Francisco based on that quote.

The franchise breathes a collective sigh of relief following the scary incident in the team’s Week 18 loss to the Cardinals, which required the cart to take Guerendo from the field. It likely means he will be ready for the start of offseason activities, including organized team activities. Guerendo filled in for the injured Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason admirably this season, presenting yet another draft day smash for a franchise known for cashing in on their draft picks.

Barrows adds that Guerendo will undergo more testing on Monday. Guerendo was dragged down by a defender on his left side, causing Guerendo’s left knee to buckle inward. Tomorrow’s tests should provide clarity as to the full diagnosis, as well as Guerendo’s expected recovery timeline.

Guerendo came into the game nursing foot and hamstring issues. He exited after getting twisted up in ugly fashion on his second carry of the first quarter. Guerendo appeared disconsolate as he was carted to the locker room. The ailment caps an injury-marred rookie year for the 24-year-old fourth-rounder, though he still managed to appear in 16-of-17 contests. Guerendo tweaked his hamstring in the summer before manifold late-season issues he mostly played through. The clear No. 3 back entering Week 1, Guerendo ended up handling 99 touches thanks to Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason’s injury issues. Although CMC will be back for 2025, Mason is an impending restricted free agent. There is no guarantee Guerendo ascends higher than No. 3 on the depth chart — Shanny is loyal to his backs and could easily re-sign Mason — but he’s a strong dynasty league hold behind an aging McCaffrey and ultimately JAG-like Mason. That is, of course, pending his health. If he escaped today without long-term injury, Guerendo heads into the offseason as a player who was highly efficient as both a runner and pass catcher.

This is perhaps the healthiest Guerendo has been in weeks. He practiced in full all three days and is ready to shoulder the load against the Cardinals. The big-bodied, speedy rookie has decent odds of surpassing the 13 touches he racked up last week. He played particularly well in the passing game, catching 4-of-4 targets for 65 yards. With the 49ers potentially shaking up the offensive personnel this offseason, it would be unsurprising to see Kyle Shanahan further audition Guerendo for passing-down contributions.