49ers Down to 5th-String Running Back vs. Dolphins

With Elijah Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason all suffering season-ending injuries during this disastrous 6-8 season, fourth-stringer Isaac Guerendo is also ailing entering Sunday's game at the Miami Dolphins. He did not practice Wednesday or Thursday after suffering a strained hamstring in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams is doubtful to play.

The other running backs on the 49ers' 53-man roster are Patrick Taylor Jr. and Israel Abanikanda. Taylor is expected to get the first shot to replace Guerendo. The 49ers also have running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the practice squad, and he has been elevated the past two games with Abanikanda inactive.

Guerendo has rushed for 381 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Over the course of this injury-riddled season that has also seen time lost by stars Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams, San Francisco's embarrassment of riches has simply turned into an embarrassment.

The 49ers are mathematically alive for a playoff spot, but likely need to win each of their three remaining games and get a lot of help to qualify. Missing the playoff would end a dominant, yet ultimately fulfilling five-year span in which San Francisco played in four NFC Championship Games.