Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor Jr. or Evan Hull

Wednesday, August 20, 9:56 AM

The San Francisco 49ers have placed veteran running back Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) on the season-ending injured reserve list. Taylor suffered a dislocated shoulder in the team's second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and he joins the growing list of 49ers running backs struck by injury. While presumed backup Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) was able to return to practice on Tuesday after missing several weeks with a shoulder injury of his own, the team has already lost Ameer Abdullah (ribs) for the season. Rookie Jordan James has already missed a few weeks due to a broken finger. After trading Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings, the 49ers' running back depth has been seriously tested already, which is the last thing the team needs in their efforts to keep All-Pro Christian McCaffrey healthy. Jeff Wilson Jr. and Ke'Shawn Vaughn will likely see the majority of work in the team's final preseason game. If he can remain healthy, McCaffrey once more enters the year as perhaps the biggest difference maker in fantasy football. Still, given his checkered injury history, Guerendo is one of the league's most important backups to roster.

Friday, January 2, 11:50 AM

New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull did not see an increase in touches during the team's 34-26 victory against the Titans, instead playing well behind teammate Audric Estime in the backfield hierarchy. New Orleans hasn't had a healthy ground game in some time now, as they've dealt with injuries to Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) and Devin Neal (hamstring). With both inactive over the past two weeks, Estime and Hull were set to split work in the Saints' ground attack. That wasn't the case, though, as Hull combined for just six yards on seven carries over that span. Moreover, Estime and tight end Taysom Hill alternated as the team's lead rushers over the games mentioned, adding more variability to the situation. Either way, it appears Hull is set for handcuff duties, making him a volatile fantasy option for the season's final week.