Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor or Zachary Evans

Friday, December 20, 10:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.

Thursday, August 29, 4:36 PM

Free agent running back Zach Evans was released from the Los Angeles Rams practice squad on Thursday afternoon, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic. The 23-year-old finished the preseason on a high note by running for 45 yards and scoring two touchdowns but was unable to crack the final roster. Fantasy managers should now expect 25-year-old Ronnie Rivers to serve as the No.3 option behind Kyren Williams and rookie Blake Corum. Evans was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft but saw only nine carries in his rookie season. Dynasty managers should feel confident about cutting ties with the Ole Miss product as he hits the free-agent market.