Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor Jr. or Rasheen Ali

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 23, 3:49 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali showcased some versatility for the team in the 30-3 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders. Ali registered nine carries for 36 yards and a touchdown, adding five receptions for 16 yards. The second-year pick out of Marshall is currently listed as the RB4 on the depth chart, battling for a roster spot with D'Ernest Johnson, who also had a productive game. Despite this productive outing, he doesn't currently offer any fantasy value, and this preseason performance shouldn't have a significant impact on fantasy managers' draft decisions heading into Baltimore's Week 1 Sunday Night Football clash with the Buffalo Bills.