49ers rookie RB Guerendo to return to practice this week, WR Pearsall remains sidelined

Aug 20, 2024, 2:26 PM | Updated: 2:27 pm

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 04: Isaac Guerendo #49 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during mini camp on June 04, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

It appears the 49ers have a hodge-podge of actives and inactives at the moment, with Isaac Guerendo and Ricky Pearsall on opposite sides of the totem pole.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the team’s rookie running back will return to practice this week, while their young wide receiver will remained sidelined. Guerendo, a fourth-round pick, has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the first day of training camp. Meanwhile, Pearsall has also been hobbled for some time, missing the last ten days due to a re-aggrevated should injury.

While it’s good news for Guerendo, it’s bad news for Pearsall as the 49ers’ injury woes continue this preseason. It is still unclear if the former will feature in SF’s preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders Friday.

Players who are expected back at #49ers practice this week after missing time due to injuries: RB Isaac Guerendo, RB Patrick Taylor, G Spencer Buford, G Ben Bartch.

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 20, 2024

“Yeah, I’d like the starters to play,” Shanahan stated Tuesday regarding Friday’s contest in Las Vegas. “We’ll see how today and tomorrow go, but that’s the plan.”

Additionally, the 49ers will see a few more faces return to practice, including guard Spencer Burford. The former starter suffered a fractured hand early in training camp, forcing him to miss the last few weeks of practice. Presumed to be the starter at right guard, Burford’s absence has allowed rookie Dominick Puni to slide into the role. The latter is now seen as the expected starter for Week 1 against the New York Jets.

Unfortunately more big names will remain on the sideline, including safety Talanoa Hufanga. The veteran defensive back is still recovered from a torn ACL suffered last season. While he was cleared to begin ramping up last week, the 49ers are being cautious with him, as the PUP and other options are being discussed.

“Not necessarily. That’s still up for discussion right now. He got cleared last week, so it’s been good that he can do real football drills and stuff, with the trainers and everything, Shanahan explained about Hufanga. “He’s been going a lot harder with that. I think two days on, two days off. Hopefully it goes real good this week and maybe we could ease him into practice next week.”

Joining the safety on the sidelines is veteran offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, undergoing surgery on his knee recently. He will likely start the 2024 season on the injury reserve.

49ers 18th practice of camp:
RB Guerendo back in action, first since Day 1 hammy

Not present: WR Aiyuk, LT Trenr, LG Banks

Conditioning on side: McCaffrey, Mitchell, Mason, Jennings, Pearsall, Yiadom, Wish
Watching: Huf, Dre

Best catch: Robbie Chosen deep vs Ward via Purdy pic.twitter.com/hDSbJJw0Tv

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 20, 2024