Ke’Shawn Vaughn's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday and also signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad, according to a source. In corresponding moves, the Niners officially placed both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on Injured Reserve, meaning they'll be out for at least the next four games. CMC has a PCL sprain and will need six weeks to recover, so his season is essentially over unless the Niners make a run to get into the playoffs. Abanikanda didn't play in a single game for the Jets this year but could serve as the team's No. 3 down the stretch behind rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Vaughn also hasn't seen the field in 2024 after averaging 3.7 yards a carry in four previous seasons with Tampa. They can both stay on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.

The San Francisco 49ers released running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from their practice squad on Tuesday. He'll be replaced by running back Patrick Taylor Jr., who signed to the Niners' practice squad the same day. Vaughn bounced around with the Buccaneers and Patriots from 2020 through 2023, amassing 384 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns. He had not yet registered a stat with the Niners at the time of his release. Moving forward, the 49ers' running back depth chart will feature Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, and Taylor (in that order).

The New England Patriots signed undrafted free-agent running back Terrell Jennings and released veteran ball carrier Ke'Shawn Vaughn on Monday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Jennings rushed 120 times for 674 yards and nine touchdowns and caught seven passes for 60 yards in his final season at Florida A&M last year. The 225-pounder isn't on the fantasy radar yet, but he will have a shot to compete for a roster spot this offseason. Vaughn, who was a popular fantasy football sleeper after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has a bleak future outlook following his release. In 43 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 27-year-old rushed 103 times for 384 yards and two touchdowns. He's unlikely to become a fantasy-relevant back based on what he's produced so far, but he could stick around the NFL as a depth option for another organization.