49ers’ Isaac Guerendo Likely Out, Team Will Turn To Fourth-String RB Patrick Taylor Jr.

The San Francisco 49ers will reportedly compete without running back Isaac Guerendo in Week 16, as the rookie is dealing with a persistent hamstring injury. If he does miss time, the team will turn to Patrick Taylor Jr., the fourth-string running back, to start on the road against the Dolphins.

After relying on backup Jordan Mason for most of the season and getting star rusher Christian McCaffrey back last month, the 49ers then lost both rushers to new injuries in quick succession. Guerendo stepped into the starting role in Week 14 and has performed well, but he is now dealing with setbacks as well. Taylor is in a position he could not have predicted when the season began.

The 26-year-old running back out of Memphis went undrafted in 2020 and has spent most of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. He never started for the team and only appeared in a limited capacity. He signed with the 49ers in 2024 and eventually made his way to the practice squad, where he remained until Dec. 4.

After spending the vast majority of his career on the sidelines, if that, it appears that Taylor will start Week 16 for the defending NFC champions. This 49ers team has struggled with injuries up and down the depth chart all season, seldom resembling a Super Bowl contender. San Francisco is 6-8 and likely to miss the playoffs, but Taylor will still have the opportunity to play a significant part in an offense designed by Kyle Shanahan. It’s an immense opportunity for a practice squad member.

With a fourth-string rusher in the backfield, the 49ers may get more creative through the air or use other rushers to complement Taylor’s skill set. Improvements in the passing game will be limited as well because of injuries, but Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle could be relied upon more than usual. In the backfield, fullback Kyle Juszczyk could also be deployed in a number of ways to keep the defense honest.