Who Should I Start? Isaac Guerendo or Riley Nowakowski

Monday, June 22, 5:26 AM

Following a 2024 rookie season in which he handled himself admirably in an insurance role, San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo took a sizable step backward in 2025, and now he could be on the outside looking in when it comes to a roster spot in 2026. With four-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey limited to only four games in 2024, Guerendo ran for 420 yards and four touchdowns on a 5.0-yard per carry average, but in his second season, he failed to record an offensive snap despite being active for 14 games. The primary backup role in 2025 went to Brian Robinson Jr., and a fully healthy McCaffrey rarely left the field. With Robinson no longer on the team, the high-value handcuff role could come down to a training camp battle in which Guerendo may not be able to participate. After tearing a pectoral muscle during an offseason workout, there's a belief that Guerendo may not be ready to return until late in training camp, giving a seismic advantage to 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James and 2026 third-round pick Kaelon Black in the competition for primary backup responsibilities. An older prospect coming into the league, Guerendo turns 26 before the start of camp, and if RotoBaller's RB97 is unable to work his way back to meaningful playing time in year three, which at this point looks like an uphill climb, there's very little chance of him restoring dynasty value.