It’s too early in training camp to have a ‘bad’ training camp, but things didn’t get off to a great start for 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo.
Guerendo on Day 1 of camp had to exit the session after pulling up with what appears to be a hamstring injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan after practice said he wasn’t sure the extent of the ailment.
“Yeah, we think it was a hamstring,” Shanahan said. “So it looked like he hyperextended a little bit. He was going about half speed it looked like. So it was an unusual one, but they just told me it was a hamstring. But we got to get the MRI.”
This could be a significant blow for the rookie fourth-round pick in his first camp. Guerendo dealt with injuries throughout his college career as well which is part of the reason such an early issue raises a red flag.
San Francisco’s running back room is crowded with veterans and a talented undrafted rookie Cody Schrader. This hamstring issue could put Guerendo behind the curve in a way that makes it much more difficult to catch up. He was already going to be battling Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Patrick Taylor and Schrader for a roster spot. Now he’ll potentially have to compete with fewer practices under his belt.
Ideally the injury won’t sideline Guerendo for long and he’ll get a couple practices in before the team’s preseason opener on Aug. 10 in Tennessee.
The good news for Guerendo is his skill set should translate well to the 49ers’ offense. He’s explosive, fast and very good at keeping his balance through contact. If he can get healthy and stay healthy he has a real chance to be a factor in that crowded San Francisco backfield.
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