RB Jordan Mason filled in admirably to start the year, but he was hit with a shoulder injury in Week 6 that he battled until McCaffrey’s return in Week 10. McCaffrey and Mason were both hurt in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, which pushed rookie fourth-round pick RB Isaac Guerendo into the starting role.

But Sunday was also the first game the Niners used Guerendo, their fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft and the fourth running back on the depth chart at the start of training camp, as the primary running back. And while he is no Christian McCaffrey, his skillset should demand a similar respect.

The 49ers went after Guerendo in the draft because he reminded them a lot of Mostert, whom they'll face Sunday in Miami.