Christian McCaffrey was clearly dealing with an injury when he was ruled out early in the game this past Sunday, so him winding up on IR – as disappointing as it is – was reasonably expected.
What wasn’t expected was backup RB Jordan Mason also being ruled out for the next four games with an ankle injury of his own. The 49ers have had nightmarish luck with injuries this season and that pain has been felt almost equally as badly by fantasy managers of CMC, Brandon Aiyuk, and now Jordan Mason, as well.
With Mason sidelined essentially for the rest of the season (he’s not eligible to return until Week 18; i.e. after the fantasy playoffs are over), it’ll be the Isaac Guerendo and co. show, with the ‘and co.’ part remaining to be determined. Fantasy managers shouldn’t expect too much from Guerendo, who will profile as a mid-to-low fantasy RB2 in what will likely be his first start as a 49er. However, given his instant opportunity to hold things down as the top option in the backfield the rest of the way, fantasy managers should prioritize the former Louisville speedster with their remaining FAAB budget.