Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or Patrick Taylor

Tuesday, August 27, 4:49 PM

The Green Bay Packers placed running back AJ Dillon (neck) on injured reserve Tuesday, and he will miss the entire 2024 season. This is a huge blow for the Packers and Dillon's fantasy managers. The 26-year-old was expected to be Green Bay's RB2 behind Josh Jacobs and have a significant role in the team's offense. Dillon had 613 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns over 15 games last season. MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) made the 53-man roster and is expected to back up Jacobs in 2024 with Dillon sidelined.

Friday, December 20, 10:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.