Who Should I Start? Isaac Guerendo or Brashard Smith


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.1 6.1 0.0 0.1 1.0 0.0

Isaac Guerendo News

Isaac Guerendo Appears to Be Progressing in Recovery

Sunday, August 2, 11:29 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) appears to be making progress in his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Guerendo suffered the injury while lifting weights during the offseason and opened training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list. Kyle Shanahan said in May that the third-year back could return near the end of camp, and Wagoner's observation is a welcome sign, though Guerendo has not yet been cleared to practice. He appeared in 14 games last season but played exclusively on special teams after rushing for 420 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Christian McCaffrey remains the clear starter, while rookie Kaelon Black has gained valuable reps with Guerendo sidelined and Jordan James dealing with fractured ribs. Guerendo still has time to work his way back into the competition for a reserve role, but his fantasy value will remain limited until he returns to practice and shows where he stands in the backfield.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
2.4 5.1 0.0 0.9 6.2 0.0

Brashard Smith News

Brashard Smith Outshined in Preseason Opener

Sunday, August 16, 6:02 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith drew the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, but in his battle to earn the primary backup role behind Kenneth Walker III, the points in his favor end right about there. Smith carried the ball eight times for 21 yards and brought in both of his targets for an additional 12 yards, but he was outshined by rookie Emmett Johnson, who looked explosive in gaining 59 yards on his 12 carries. Johnson also added three catches for ten yards and ran in a four-yard touchdown that was nullified by a holding penalty. As a rookie in 2025, Smith was unable to carve out a meaningful role in a backfield led by Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, finishing the year with 323 yards and one touchdown on 79 total opportunities. With a significantly higher talent level in the room for 2026, he could struggle to find regular work and is not likely to make any fantasy impact without a notable injury ahead of him.


Isaac Guerendo vs. Brashard Smith

Still trying to decide between Guerendo and Smith? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Isaac Guerendo is projected to score 1.1 points this week while Brashard Smith is projected to score 2.4 points.