JUST IN: 49ers Head Coach Issues Update on ‘Shocking Unpredictable’ Changes in Line Up Ahead of Upcoming Clashes…
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to make significant changes to their running back lineup by Week 10. After their Week 9 bye, they’ll face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and no matter the circumstances, their running back situation is likely to be different.
Reports suggest that star running back Christian McCaffrey may return from injury in Week 10. McCaffrey, the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, hasn’t played in 2024 due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs. While his return would be a huge boost, it’s crucial that the team only allows him to play if he’s fully recovered.
Rushing him back too soon could risk a more serious injury that could jeopardize the remainder of this season and possibly extend into next year.
Even if McCaffrey is cleared to play, the team should limit his snaps to avoid overworking him in his first game back. That means someone else in the backfield will need to share the load, though it remains unclear who that might be.
Jordan Mason has filled in as the starting running back in McCaffrey’s absence, performing exceptionally well with 685 rushing yards, ranking him third in the league. However, Mason has been dealing with a left shoulder sprain, which worsened during Week 8’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, forcing him to leave the field.
In Mason’s absence, rookie Isaac Guerendo stepped up, carrying the ball 14 times for 85 yards and scoring his first career touchdown. Guerendo’s speed has drawn comparisons to former 49ers running back Raheem Mostert, and his impressive performance adds to the uncertainty around the Week 10 depth chart.
Depending on Mason’s shoulder recovery, the team may rotate between him and Guerendo if McCaffrey isn’t ready to return. If McCaffrey is available, his backups still remain a question mark. This depth at running back, however, is a good dilemma for the Niners. They have no reason to rush McCaffrey’s recovery when they can rely on Mason and Guerendo, who have both proven to be solid options.
While the 49ers’ running back depth chart may look different in Week 10, the team can find comfort knowing they have three strong backs to rely on when healthy.
