San Francisco 49ers rookie Isaac Guerendo didn't transition to playing running back until he arrived at Wisconsin. Before that, he was a wide receiver but understood a position change was necessary at the collegiate level.
That carried throughout his college career, even after transferring to Louisville. His versatility and work ethic eventually caught the eye of the 49ers, who selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.
Injuries have ravaged the 49ers' roster this season, and the running back room has been no exception. With Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason likely sidelined for the rest of the season, Guerendo will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Despite the challenge, Guerendo feels prepared for the increased workload, crediting the team's "next-man-up" mentality and the work of his position coach, Bobby Turner. Turner ensures all running backs prepare as if they're the starter, a philosophy that allows the 49ers to maintain offensive rhythm regardless of who is in the backfield.
Guerendo has already shown flashes of potential this season, carrying the ball 42 times for 246 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and averaging nearly six yards per attempt.
"I think he's ready to go," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Wednesday. "He got off to a late start with injuries in preseason. I thought he finished in those games, especially that kick return he had versus the Raiders, I think. He did some decent things when he started out. Didn't get a lot of carries, had some ups and downs, but got better through everything.
"And then, when he got the bulk of the carries—I want to say some more versus Seattle—he only got better, and he's gotten better throughout the year. So I think he's ready for this."
Those game reps have been valuable for Guerendo as he prepares for a larger role.
"Yeah, it does help, but I've had the same mentality the whole time," Gurendo told reporters on Wednesday. "I always give credit to Coach [Turner], just preparing everybody like they're gonna be the starters. So, that way, when moments like that do come up, I'm ready for it."
Guerendo also praised the 49ers' locker room culture, noting that he's leaned on advice from teammates on both sides of the ball. He credited linebacker Fred Warner, among others, for their guidance.
"I think Isaac's done a great job," Warner said. "I think our entire rookie class, as a whole, has done an awesome job of just coming in and being prepared, having the right mindset of my moment can come at any time. We've used Isaac a ton this season, but now, it's his turn to really take a hold of that position."
Though Guerendo would prefer to earn the starting job under different circumstances, he's ready to seize the opportunity.
"It's unfortunate the way stuff happens, but that's kind of how this game is," Guerendo said. "Stuff happens, stuff changes quick. But, like I said, you know, I give credit to Coach [Turner], just preparing everybody like they're gonna start the game."
When asked how he has improved since the start of the season, Guerendo emphasized that his limited game reps and being eased into the offense have helped him adjust to the NFL's speed and challenges.
"It helps out a lot," Guerendo noted. "So, just continuing to get more reps is what's going to help me grow the most."
Even McCaffrey acknowledged the learning curve of mastering head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, particularly the outside running game. Fortunately, Guerendo still has McCaffrey to lean on as he navigates his first starts.
"Once you get a feeling, get to get a connection with your O-line, how things are blocked up and stuff like that, you're just going to get a feel for it," Guerendo said. "Obviously, he's got a feel for it, and I'm just going to continue to, in the reps I get, just continue to build with that."
