49ers news: Isaac Guerendo should get more opportunities in Week 3

The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 3 dealing with a number of injuries, as wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey won’t play, while tight end George Kittle is doubtful entering the weekend.

As a result, the 49ers will need to find other sources of offense against the Los Angeles Rams, and that could mean relying more on the running game.

San Francisco has a favorable matchup ahead of them on the ground, as the Rams are allowing 197 rushing yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry, both of which are third-worst in the NFL.

Now, Jordan Mason should be heavily featured in the gameplan after eclipsing 100 yards in both of his first two career starts, rushing for over five yards per carry in each game. But, the 49ers have a question mark behind him as Samuel, who has essentially been the No. 2 running back thus far, is out for the next few weeks.

That brings us to fourth-round rookie Isaac Guerendo, who is listed as the No. 2 back on the depth chart behind Mason, and should be in line for some major opportunities this week.

“We’re excited about Isaac [Guerendo],” Shanahan said on “The 49ers Game Plan” with Greg Papa ahead of the game. “He’s getting closer and closer to getting some more opportunities. We’re down two backs with Christian [McCaffrey] and Elijah [Mitchell]. JP [Jordan Mason] has been doing a hell of a job these last two weeks and his stamina, the way he’s been running, he hasn’t needed to come out much, especially with Deebo in there. But now with Deebo not an option, Isaac is the next man up.”

Guerendo’s chances shouldn’t only come as a runner, however, as he could take over the kick returner role as well with Deebo Samuel out. The 49ers debuted the rookie at the returner spot in the preseason, where his speed seemed like a natural fit for the role.

“And especially with Deebo not an option at kick returner, he’s the next man up,” Shanahan said of Guerendo. “Isaac has a certain speed set that is a little different than our other backs. I’d compare him a little bit more to Raheem [Mostert] in the past. As [running backs coach] Bobby [Turner] will say, Raheem’s an eyelash faster. But Raheem is faster than everybody. Isaac’s pretty damn close. And so that’s an impressive thing. We really like him and when he gets his opportunity, I know he’ll be ready, and it could be this Sunday.”

The 49ers running back is looking depleted without Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, meaning some of the younger players will need to step up at the position. Guerendo likely slots in as the No. 2 back, but Patrick Taylor will also be active and could get a bigger role in third down situations, as he’s proven to be a solid pass-blocker in the backfield.

But, Guerendo could also take some of those third-down reps, having a solid feel as a receiver out of the backfield, and should get his opportunities this weekend against Los Angeles.