NFL Rumors: 49ers' Isaac Guerendo Set for 'Heavy Workload' amid McCaffrey's Injury

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly expected to lean on rookie running back Isaac Guerendo for the remainder of the 2024 regular season.

According to ESPN, Guerendo is preparing to "carry a heavy workload" after the Niners placed both Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve following last weekend's loss to the Buffalo Bills.

The fourth-round pick out of Louisville hasn't gotten a ton of usage behind McCaffrey and Mason on the depth chart, but he has delivered when called upon, rushing for 246 yards and two touchdowns on 42 carries.

After being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, McCaffrey began 2024 on the shelf due to an Achilles injury.

McCaffrey missed the first eight games of the season, but Mason filled in admirably, rushing for 685 yards and three touchdowns during that stretch.

During the 35-10 loss to Buffalo, McCaffrey suffered a knee injury and Mason went down with a high ankle sprain. Both were placed on IR, meaning they must miss at least the next four games.

The earliest either player can return would be a Week 18 game against the Arizona Cardinals, which could be a huge contest for the Niners.

After reaching the Super Bowl last season, 2024 has largely been a struggle for the 49ers, and injuries to key players have been a big reason why.

At 5-7, the 49ers are in last place in the NFC West, although they only trail the division-leading Seattle Seahawks by two games.

Given their talent, it is not outside the realm of possibility that the 49ers could still run the table and win the division.

However, in order for that to happen, they will likely need their running game to fire on all cylinders, and they will have to rely on a rookie to make that happen.

The 6-foot, 221-pound Guerendo has a rare blend of size and speed, and he has already shown an ability to produce in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive system when given the opportunity.

Guerendo has very little behind him in terms of quality depth at running back. Patrick Taylor has rushed 72 times for 286 yards over four NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers and 49ers, while Israel Abanikanda rushed 22 times for 70 yards last season with the New York Jets.

Since all signs point toward Guerendo being the clear go-to guy in San Francisco's backfield, he could be a potential league winner for fantasy football managers who were lucky enough to acquire him off waivers.

He could also be a season saver for the 49ers, and it starts with a pivotal home game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.