Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor Jr. or Lan Larison

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.

Saturday, August 9, 12:34 AM

New England Patriots running back Lan Larison rushed seven times for 35 yards and a touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders. He also caught each of his two targets for a total of nine yards through the air. Larison, a 23-year-old UC Davis product, signed with the team as an undrafted free agent back in May. As a result, he faces an uphill battle to make the roster. Nevertheless, he certainly made a positive impact and got himself noticed with Friday's productive showing. As the summer carries on, Larison will likely continue to compete with Terrell Jennings and JaMycal Hasty for the No. 4 running back role.