The San Francisco 49ers are signing free-agent running back Patrick Taylor to a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 25-year-old went undrafted following his final collegiate season at Memphis, and he has spent the last four years with the Green Bay Packers, mostly as a reserve. Through his first 34 NFL games, Taylor has rushed 65 times for 261 yards and one touchdown and caught 14 passes for 69 yards. With Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason on the roster, it'd be surprising if Taylor has a role for San Francisco next season on offense. There's also no guarantee he will make the 53-man roster, so this signing is inconsequential for fantasy football.
Patrick Taylor Has Potential For Increased Workload
Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15. The 25-year-old has been efficient with his touches as the No. 2 back over the past few weeks, averaging a whopping 9.8 yards per carry. With Aaron Jones (knee) and AJ Dillon (thumb) both listed as questionable for this Sunday's game, Taylor could be in line for an increased workload or even the starting role if both aforementioned backs were to sit out. The problem is the matchup, as Tampa Bay allows the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs and are tied for the fifth-fewest rushing touchdowns allowed all season. Taylor would garner flex appeal if named the starter but temper expectations due to the matchup. If either Jones or Dillon are active, the fourth-year back can be safely left on the waiver wire.
Patrick Taylor Could Be No. 2 Running Back In Week 14
Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor will go on the road to take on the New York Giants in Week 14 on Monday night. The 25-year-old has operated as the backup to AJ Dillon (groin) over the past two weeks, with Aaron Jones (knee) missing time. Taylor has amassed just five carries for 40 yards during that time but could be in for more work this week. Both Jones and Dillon have been limited in practice this week. Dillon seems the most likely to play, but with the potential that he will be at less than 100%, Taylor could see more work against the Giants. New York allows the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs, so the matchup is one he can capitalize on. If both Jones and Dillon were to miss, Taylor would find himself in flex territory this week. At best, the fourth-year back is a decent stash heading into the weekend.
Packers Add James Robinson, Patrick Taylor To RB Room
With injuries at the running back position, the Green Bay Packers re-signed James Robinson to the practice squad and signed Patrick Taylor off the New England Patriots' practice squad on Monday. Aaron Jones (knee) and rookie Emanuel Wilson (shoulder) were injured in the Week 11 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and AJ Dillon (groin) is also on the initial Week 12 injury report. Dillon should be ready to play this Thursday on Thanksgiving against the Detroit Lions and would operate as Green Bay's lead back if Jones is unable to play. Along with Taylor and Robinson, the Packers also have rookie Ellis Merriweather on their practice squad.
Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor saw an expanded role for the second straight week with Aaron Jones (hamstring) inactive in the 18-17 comeback win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Taylor, working as the backup to AJ Dillon, had three carries for six yards and caught three of his four targets for an additional 23 yards. The 25-year-old's line didn't open any eyes, but he was the clear backup over rookie Emanuel Wilson, who had two carries for six yards and caught his only target for a six-yard gain. It remains to be seen if Jones will be able to return on a short week this Thursday night against the division-rival Detroit Lions, but if he can't, Taylor could become a permanent fixture on the 53-man active roster the rest of the year.
Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor has been released by the organization on Tuesday. This was an odd move considering Taylor was the third string back in Green Bay. Now, the Packers only have Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon in their backfield. Possibly, the Packers decide to bring back Taylor after moving around other players. The 24-year-old had a minor role on the team last season. Taylor doesn't carry fantasy value, but the Packers should have at least three backs on their roster. However, Jones and Dillon are going to be doing a majority of the leg work.
Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor was busy in the 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the preseason finale on Thursday evening. Taylor was tied for the team-high in carries with seven, gaining a team-high 34 yards on the ground. He also caught all three of his targets through the air for 17 additional yards. The 24-year-old worked behind Tyler Goodson in this one and finished with two fewer touches than him. Goodson is making a push for a roster spot this summer, which could push Taylor off the roster when cuts are made. In his rookie campaign in 2021, Taylor had 23 carries for 89 yards and one touchdown, adding two receptions for three yards in nine games played.
It's unlikely that Green Bay Packers running back Kylin Hill (knee) will be back from last year's torn ACL at training camp this year, which means that Patrick Taylor will have to hold off undrafted rookies B.J. Baylor and Tyler Goodson for the No. 3 role behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Taylor seems like the clear favorite right now, and Baylor wasn't asked to catch the ball in college. Goodson caught the ball in college, but he wasn't much of a threat after contact. Taylor, Baylor and Goodson should see plenty of work in preseason games. Taylor saw work in four games in 2021, carrying the ball 23 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. There won't be any fantasy value in Green Bay's No. 3 back unless both Jones and Dillon miss time with injuries.
