Former Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is being released by the San Francisco 49ers with an injury settlement from injured reserve, according to a report Sunday.
The injury is not considered season-ending, and Taylor is projected to be ready to return in about three weeks.
Taylor spent the bulk of his early NFL career in Green Bay after signing with the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of Memphis in 2020. He appeared in 34 regular-season games for the Packers from 2021 to 2023, contributing as a depth running back and special teams player behind established backs such as Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
During his time in Green Bay, Taylor recorded 65 carries for 261 yards and one touchdown while adding 14 receptions for 69 yards. In 2021, his first season of significant action, he played in nine games and rushed 23 times for 89 yards with a touchdown.
The following year, he appeared in 14 contests, mostly in limited offensive roles and on special teams.
Taylor’s most productive stretch with the Packers came in 2023, when he handled 32 carries for 141 yards across 11 games and caught 11 passes for 49 yards.
After a brief stint on the New England Patriots’ practice squad that same year, the Packers brought him back in November 2023. He later signed with San Francisco in 2024, where he continued to develop as a complementary back.
In 13 games with the 49ers that season, including one start, Taylor rushed 39 times for 183 yards and one touchdown, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. His career-best performance of 109 yards on 17 carries came in a 2024 game against the Arizona Cardinals while wearing San Francisco’s colors.
Overall in 47 NFL regular-season games, the 6-foot-2, 217-pound back from Humble, Texas, has amassed 104 carries for 444 yards and two touchdowns at a 4.3-yard average, plus 17 receptions for 94 yards.
Taylor missed the entire 2025 season after a shoulder injury required surgery during the preseason with the 49ers. He re-signed with San Francisco in March 2026 and was competing for a roster spot when he was placed on injured reserve earlier this week to make room for Khalil Herbert.
The subsequent injury settlement now frees him to recover and potentially pursue opportunities with other clubs once cleared, including possible interest from teams familiar with his work ethic and versatility.
Packers fans who followed Taylor’s development in Green Bay remember a reliable contributor who earned trust in short-yardage and special teams situations. His 4.3-yard career average and ability to handle both rushing and receiving duties made him a steady presence during his Packers tenure.
With a three-week recovery timeline, Taylor could become available for practice and games by mid-to-late September. Teams seeking depth at running back often look to players with proven NFL experience like Taylor, who logged extensive special teams snaps during his Green Bay years.
The 28-year-old’s path from undrafted free agent to multi-year contributor with the Packers underscored his determination and physical style of play.
As the 49ers reshape their backfield, Taylor’s release with a settlement marks another chapter for a player who first made his mark in Green Bay. His combination of size, previous production totaling 444 career rushing yards, and familiarity with multiple offensive schemes could attract attention league-wide once healthy.
