Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor Jr. or Raheim Sanders

Sunday, August 10, 5:35 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. scored the team's first points of the preseason on Saturday. Taylor ran it into the end zone from five yards out to seal the deal on the Niners' first drive. The touchdown ended up being the 49ers' only offensive score in their 30-9 loss to the Broncos. The fifth year back was otherwise unimpressive, finishing the game with seven yards on five carries. He also caught his sole target of the game for a four-yard gain. Taylor ranks fourth on San Francisco's early depth chart but drew the start with coach Kyle Shanahan opting to preserve Christian McCaffrey's health, and with fellow backs Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) already ailing and expected to miss multiple weeks. Taylor will have to overcome this week's inefficiencies when the 49ers face the Las Vegas Raiders next week if he wants to maintain his position.

Sunday, August 10, 9:20 PM

Los Angeles Chargers undrafted rookie running back Raheim Sanders led the backfield in the team's 27-13 preseason win against the New Orleans Saints. He had 10 carries for 42 yards and a touchdown, along with one catch for 11 yards. The 23-year-old made a strong case for the third backup role in an already crowded backfield with Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins, and Nyheim Hines. Sanders, who transferred to South Carolina from Arkansas in his senior year, finished his college career with 881 yards on 183 carries and 11 touchdowns on the ground, plus 27 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns. With Najee Harris' (eye) Week 1 availability uncertain, the rookie will have to continue to prove himself to secure a spot on the final roster.