Niners Nation
Patrick Taylor Jr. is back on the practice squad.
The San Francisco 49ers announced a practice squad transaction Tuesday afternoon. Running back Patrick Taylor Jr. was signed to the practice squad. The corresponding move was to release running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
Vaughn joined the 49ers on August 7 but was never elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.
Bringing back Taylor makes sense, as he’s a bigger body at 217 pounds and played 77 snaps on special teams for the 49ers this season, including 17 as recently as Week 8 — which was a season-high.
Taylor Jr. helped the offense when they needed to in a pinch, with three forced missed tackles in seven carries. He also contributed as a receiver and in pass protection.
But Taylor’s services might not be needed as running back with Christian McCaffrey returning, but the 49ers remain one of the worst special teams units in the NFL. Taylor played on each kick coverage team, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the 49ers elevate him after another week of struggles in the third phase of the game.
