Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor Jr. or Nathan Carter

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 16, 11:19 AM

Atlanta Falcons backup running back Nathan Carter led the team's backfield in Friday's 23-20 preseason loss to the Titans, rushing nine times for 63 yards, which included a 43-yard touchdown scamper straight up through the middle of the Tennessee defense in the third quarter. The rookie out of Michigan State got the most run of all the Falcon running backs, adding two catches for nine yards to his stat line, while Jashaun Corbin touched the ball six times and Elijah Dotson received three carries and one reception. Carter's run featured some good vision and breakaway speed, a couple of traits that should go a long way in helping to secure a roster spot as the regular season nears.