Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor Jr. or Pierre Strong Jr.

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, November 22, 4:49 PM

The Green Bay Packers have elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad to the gameday roster ahead of Sunday's Week 12 matchup against division rival Minnesota Vikings. This is a result of star running back Josh Jacobs (knee) being listed as questionable due to a knee injury he sustained in Week 11 against the New York Giants. Strong being moved to the gameday roster gives the Packers depth at running back, with Jacobs being a true game-time decision. Strong was also elevated earlier in the year in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. If Jacobs is ruled out, look for Emanuel Wilson to handle the bulk of the carries while Chris Brooks is mixed in. Despite being elevated to the main roster, Strong is a lower-end option in very deep leagues at best for Week 12.