Does this room need a makeover?
Christian McCaffrey was the engine of the 49ers offense in 2023. After winning Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey was rewarded with a new contract for his impact on the offense. Unfortunately, an Achilles injury shelved the Stanford running back for several weeks. After his return, McCaffrey’s season was over after suffering a PCL injury in Buffalo.
The 49ers rushing attack is still the focal point for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but the backfield depth was tested after injury after injury. In a way, the 49ers’ backfield injuries were a perfect symbol for the 49ers’ season—lots of glimpses of greatness, but not consistently due to unfortunate injuries.
Let’s look at the running back position in 2024.
Jordan Mason – 12 games, 153 attempts, 789 yards, 5.2 YPA, 3 TD, 72.7 offensive grade and 76.1 rushing grade.
Mason was no doubt a surprise to fans and analysts unfamiliar with the 49ers. 49ers fans weren’t surprised as the call for Mason to gain more playing time began during his first training camp. Given McCaffrey’s absence, Mason filled in admirably as the team’s lead back.
Before Mason’s untimely injury in Buffalo, his playing time shrunk with McCaffrey returning to the lineup. Mason was efficiently carrying a 5.2-yard per-carry average and 512 yards after contact. The shortcomings for Mason came in the red zone, trying to convert touchdowns and fumbling issues.
Mason finished with three lost fumbles and a 43.4 fumbling grade. Still, Mason led the team with 23 rushes over ten yards. As a pass blocker, Mason finished with a 44.5 pass-blocking grade and only 14 targets and 11 receptions.
This offseason, Mason is a restricted free agent. While the 49ers drafted a running back in this past draft, Mason deserves another look as a change-of-pace back and depth behind McCaffrey.
Isaac Guerendo – 15 games, 84 attempts, 420 yards, 5.0 YPA, 4 TD, 64.6 offensive and 67.3 rushing grade.
The rookie from Louisville displayed his big-play ability in the preseason as a kick returner but began the year as depth at the position with very little playing time. The injuries to McCaffrey and Mason opened the door for Guerendo to seize an opportunity in 2024. Guerendo dealt with injuries also, but the glimpses as a versatile back leave fans and the organization optimistic about the youngster’s future.
Sporting a solid 5.0 yards per attempt, Guerendo flashed as a receiver with several tough catches and 15 receptions for 152 yards. As a former receiver, Guerendo still needs some polish, but he can be a contributor catching the football out of the backfield.
It was an encouraging rookie season for Guerendo. It would appear the 49ers have found a home-run hitter from the backfield.
Christian McCaffrey – 4 games, 50 attempts, 202 yards, 4.0 YPA, 0 TD, 71.3 offensive grade and 68.1 rushing grade.
Following a recovery from Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey returned against Tampa Bay but wasn’t at full speed and strength. Having said that, he still looked very capable, and one could argue that his full return happened during the Buffalo game, where his season ended.
The good news is McCaffrey will get a full offseason to rest his Achilles tendon and return from a PCL injury. The question becomes: How much will McCaffrey be utilized with capable players behind him? Will he return to his full workhorse role? Or do the 49ers give the former Offensive Player of the Year more breathers to preserve him for the stretch run and playoffs?
Patrick Taylor and Deebo Samuel pitched in from the backfield, but Brock Purdy finished with the third most rushing yards in 2024. The depth chart may depend on Samuel’s return in 2025.