Taylor Jr. appreciates 49ers opportunity after challenging NFL journey originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA— Patricio Taylor Jr. Everything was set for a spectacular final college season and a likely draft day party.
But that exploded 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 took a nosedive, and he was fortunate to have a chance to move up in the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Taylor, now a fourth year professionalis in line to see significant playing time and perhaps make the first start of his NFL career on Sunday for the 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins.
“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’m very excited about this opportunity.”
Taylor had a great junior season at Memphis, where he rushed for 1,122 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards 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 following training camp. He quickly moved from the practice squad to Green Bay’s 53-man roster. Taylor found a role as one of the Packers’ top special teams contributors.
“The biggest obstacle I overcame to get to this point was all the hard work, as far as the injuries I had in college,” he said. “Injuring my foot and having the Lisfranc injury in college and going out and not getting drafted in the NFL, getting cut, getting signed and going through all that pain.
“I feel like all of that prepared me to get to where I am today.”
After three seasons with the Packers, the 49ers signed Taylor as a free agent in the offseason. He joined a room full of runners. And he managed to earn a spot on the roster and dress for 10 of the 49ers’ first 14 games.
“Before I start, I love competing,” he said. “I was around running backs, great running backs, like Elijah Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and we drafted Isaac Guerendo. Being around those guys also made me level up.”
Taylor (6-foot-2, 217 pounds) will be prepared for his opportunity, as he has worked closely with running backs coach Bobby Turner to ensure he is qualified for each scenario. Taylor spent a lot of time working on running routes and catching passes.
“He’s been here since training camp,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He has done a very good job for us, he played in this league before, he has experience there in Green Bay and when he had opportunities with us he ran the ball well.
“And when he hasn’t run 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 a touchdown on 14 carries this season.
At 26 years old, Taylor will be the center of the 49ers’ running game after injuries in recent weeks have sidelined McCaffrey, Mason and Guerendo.
Taylor said he has always kept faith in his ability, but couldn’t know for sure if he would ever get an opportunity like the one he will have Sunday against the Dolphins.
“Sometimes that crosses your mind, for sure,” Taylor said. “As long as you’re persistent and consistent and you’re disciplined in your process and your game, it won’t affect you.”
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