San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo's availability for "Thursday Night Football" versus the Los Angeles Rams is up in the air following his first-career start in Week 14. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that his new RB1 did in fact suffer a foot sprain in Sunday afternoon's 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears.
"We'll evaluate him over the next few days and see if he's got a shot (for Thursday)," head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday afternoon.
Guerendo logged 15 carries for 78 yards and two rushing touchdowns and added two catches for 50 receiving yards before exiting the game midway through the fourth quarter. He was initially labeled as questionable to return with a foot injury but never returned to action. Shanahan offered some insight into his progress roughly 24-hours removed from the injury.
"(Guerendo) definitely couldn't go today," Shanahan said. "We'll see if he can go Thursday. He couldn't go today. It's a quick turnaround, so we have to evaluate him hard each day. I'll be surprised if he does much tomorrow, but hopefully Thursday will be enough time for him."
Running back Patrick Taylor Jr. took over for Guerendo and went on to punch in the 49ers final touchdown of the game. He closed out his day with seven carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. The fourth-year pro will be the 49ers next option at running back depending on how the week pans out for Guerendo.
"We looked for guys that have the ability to make your team," Shanahan said. "In order to have the ability to make your team, you have the running skills that we like to where we feel if your opportunity ever comes, you're going to be a tough runner that hits the right holes and fights for yards. And, also if you can't make one of those top two positions, how well you can help on special teams.
"He had done both of those things in his career in Green Bay, and he's been doing them for us since he got here. If Isaac can't go, it will be his opportunity. As you guys saw him run yesterday or as we did earlier in the year in Seattle, he's a solid, good back."
