Who Should I Start? D'Ernest Johnson or Patrick Taylor

Sunday, December 1, 11:43 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 13, leaving rookie Keilan Robinson in line to make his NFL debut as the team's No. 3 running back. Robinson, a rookie out of the University of Texas, was activated from injured reserve last week. Although he is suiting up for his first time as a Jaguar, Robinson could have trouble earning snaps behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. On the other hand, Johnson's de-activation comes as a bit of a surprise. He had been a valuable contributor in his depth role, totaling 117 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards through 11 games.

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.