Santa Clara, CA – September 24, 2025
In a move that has surprised the NFL, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo has rejected an Injured Reserve (IR) contract, instead taking a significant pay cut to remain active and compete with his teammates. After suffering a hamstring setback during preseason, Guerendo’s bold decision highlights both his relentless drive and determination to prove himself on one of the league’s most competitive rosters.
“I didn’t fight my whole life to sit on IR and watch,” Guerendo said in a fiery statement. “I came here to run, to take the hits, and to battle with my teammates. If that means cutting my paycheck, I’ll do it — because the chance to prove I belong means more than money.”
His words quickly struck a chord with the Faithful, who saw in the rookie the same grit and resilience that define the 49ers’ storied history.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Louisville, Guerendo entered training camp as a dynamic speed threat expected to complement Christian McCaffrey in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. His explosiveness was on full display early in camp, earning praise as a breakout candidate for San Francisco’s backfield depth. But the preseason injury raised concerns, with IR placement appearing inevitable — until Guerendo chose the harder path.
The risk is enormous. Accepting an IR deal would have secured his financial safety while he recovered, but at the cost of valuable reps and development. Instead, Guerendo sacrificed guaranteed money for the opportunity to compete alongside stars like McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle.
Teammates rallied to his side, with quarterback Brock Purdy calling him “the kind of warrior who makes everyone around him better.”
For the 49ers, a franchise with championship ambitions, Guerendo’s decision embodies the toughness and hunger that Shanahan values most. Whether he becomes a significant contributor this season remains uncertain — but his fight has already earned respect inside the locker room and across the Bay Area.
