How the 49ers should use Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo

There is no such thing as having too many defenders. Just ask San Francisco 49ers.

Jordan Mason, who will start in place of the injured Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, suffered a shoulder sprain in the match against the Dallas Cowboys. He couldn’t continue playing like he did when he was injured against the Seattle Seahawks.

Fortunately, the 49ers have another emerging player in rookie Isaac Guerendo. He would replace Mason and he would do it brilliantly. Guerendo had 85 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and his biggest run was a 19-yard gain.

Mason has been outstanding for the 49ers this year, but Guerendo is becoming increasingly difficult to keep off the field. It is unclear whether Mason will have to miss Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Whether that happens or not, there is a clear way the 49ers should utilize their running backs moving forward.

They need to use Mason and Guerendo by committee. Mason’s worsening shoulder injury indicates his body may be breaking down. He is not at all used to such a workload and did not prepare for it before the season. It may also start to slow down as you get tired.

The best way to keep it healthy and fresh is to introduce Guerendo inside. This way, the 49ers can maintain a great double punch. Guerendo cannot continue to escape in an emergency situation. It’s not like Kyle Shanahan isn’t familiar with the running back rotation. He did it in 2019 with Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert.

The 49ers should use committee action. Even when and if Christian McCaffrey returns, they should operate this way. The idea is to keep these guys healthy and fresh. Before the playoffs come around, or if they have a must-win game late in the season, definitely run them into the ground like they have been doing.

However, until then, they should keep these players in the squad in rotation.