Patrick Taylor Jr. Could Draw Start On Thursday Night Versus Rams
San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. could get his first career start on Thursday night in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Last week, Taylor Jr. took seven carries for 25 yards and sealed the blowout of the Chicago Bears with a touchdown in the fourth quarter after starter Isaac Guerendo left with a foot injury. It's common fantasy wisdom to point out that head coach Kyle Shanahan always eschews a committee approach, leaning almost exclusively on his starting running back. If Guerendo were to be ruled out -- and if you count Elijah Mitchell who was deemed out for the year during the preseason -- Taylor Jr. represents San Francisco's fifth-string running back. This may be the one situation where Shanahan decides to mix it up with his backfield snap distribution. The Rams are middle-of-the-pack in stopping the run and it's hard to argue for benching any RB starting for the 49ers. Still, Israel Abanikanda and Ke'Shawn Vaughn could eat into Taylor Jr.'s volume, as all three are basically replacement-level players. If Guerendo suits up, Taylor Jr. should be on fantasy benches, but if Guerendo can't go, the former Packer is a high-ceiling/low-floor play on the RB2/3 border.
Patrick Taylor Jr. Scores In Week 14 Versus Chicago
San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. saw his heaviest involvement of the season during a 38-13 Week 14 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Santa Clara. Taylor Jr. was, as predicted, an afterthought to rookie Issac Guerendo in the absence of Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle). The 26-year-old former Packer finished with seven carries for 25 yards, including a three-yard touchdown run to salt the game away after Guerendo (foot) exited late, not to return. Regardless of the touchdown, Taylor Jr. was mediocre on a per-carry basis, looking the part of a fourth-string running back. If Guerendo were to miss Week 15, Taylor Jr. would be a worthy waiver target mostly because of the premium role he'd step into, but shouldn't command near as much FAAB as Guerendo did last week, not least because he'd be far less likely to contribute as much as a receiver. That said, Taylor Jr. and the Niners get a vulnerable Rams rush defense at home in Week 15.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. Taylor will likely slot in as the No.2/No.3 option alongside Israel Abanikanda, while rookie Isaac Guerendo operates as the lead option. This move occurred as Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) were both placed on the injured reserve on Monday following their loss to the Buffalo Bills. Taylor spent his first three seasons with the Green Bay Packers serving as a depth option, averaging a solid 4.0 yards per carry. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor who operates as the No.2 option behind Guerendo, as they could be a viable stash option during the fantasy playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. was waived by the team last week to make room for Christian McCaffrey on the active roster. However, Taylor is back with the organization less than a week later. It appears Taylor was decided to rejoin the practice squad after clearing waivers this week. This move doesn't mean much right now considering Taylor has seven carries for 25 yards on the season. He's nice depth to have given the how often running backs get injured in San Francisco. He figures to fall behind Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo in the pecking order for backups, so fantasy managers can ignore Taylor.
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.
Patrick Taylor Jr.
• RB
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49ers
