Taylor Jr. cherishes opportunity for 49ers after challenging NFL journey originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA – Patrick Taylor Jr. was all set for an eye-popping senior season of college and a likely draft day celebration.
But that blew up when Taylor suffered a Lisfranc injury in Memphis’ 2019 season opener against Ole Miss.
His senior season was ruined, he underwent a series of surgeries, his draft status dropped and he was fortunate enough to get the chance to work his way up in the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Taylor, now a fourth-year pro, is poised to see significant playing time and perhaps make the first start of his NFL career for the 49ers against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
“It’s really exciting, especially going through everything I’ve been through over the years and working as hard as I have to get to this point,” Taylor said. “I am very happy with this opportunity.”
Taylor had a breakout junior season at Memphis, where he rushed for 1,122 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging a 5.6 yard per rushing attempt.
Taylor originally signed with the Green Bay Packers after the 2020 NFL Draft. He sat out his entire rookie season due to his foot condition.
The Packers waived him at the end of the next training camp. He quickly worked his way up from the practice squad to Green Bay’s 53-man roster. Taylor found a role as one of the key contributors on the Packers’ special teams.
“The biggest obstacle I overcame to get to this point was all the hard work, down to the injuries I had in college,” he said. “I hurt my foot and got the Lisfranc injury in college, and I came out and I didn’t get drafted into the NFL, I got suspended, I got signed and I went through all this heartache.
“I feel like all of this has prepared me to be where I am today.”
After three seasons with the Packers, the 49ers signed Taylor as a free agent this offseason. He joined a packed room full of running backs. And he managed to earn a roster spot, appearing in 10 of the 49ers’ first 14 games.
“When I’m in it, I like to compete,” he said. “I was dealing with backs, great backs, like Elijah Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and we drafted Isaac Guerendo. Being around those guys also helped me take my game to the next level.
Taylor (6-foot-1, 217 pounds) will be prepared for his opportunity as he has worked closely with running backs coach Bobby Turner to ensure he is coached in any scenario. Taylor spent a lot of time running and catching his routes.
“He’s been here since training camp,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He’s done a really good job for us, played in this league before, has experience at Green Bay and when he got his opportunities with us, he played the ball well.
“And when he hasn’t played the ball, he’s really helped us on special teams. So it’s a great opportunity for him and we’re happy to have him.”
Taylor has rushed for 50 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries this season.
At 26, Taylor will be the focal point of the 49ers’ running game after injuries left McCaffrey, Mason and Guerendo out in recent weeks.
Taylor said he has always remained confident in his abilities, but wasn’t sure he would ever take advantage of an opportunity like the one he will get on Sunday against the Dolphins.
“Sometimes that definitely crosses your mind,” Taylor said. “As long as you stay persistent and consistent and are disciplined in your process and your game, it doesn’t affect you.”
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast
