San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. could get his first career start on Thursday night in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Last week, Taylor Jr. took seven carries for 25 yards and sealed the blowout of the Chicago Bears with a touchdown in the fourth quarter after starter Isaac Guerendo left with a foot injury. It's common fantasy wisdom to point out that head coach Kyle Shanahan always eschews a committee approach, leaning almost exclusively on his starting running back. If Guerendo were to be ruled out -- and if you count Elijah Mitchell who was deemed out for the year during the preseason -- Taylor Jr. represents San Francisco's fifth-string running back. This may be the one situation where Shanahan decides to mix it up with his backfield snap distribution. The Rams are middle-of-the-pack in stopping the run and it's hard to argue for benching any RB starting for the 49ers. Still, Israel Abanikanda and Ke'Shawn Vaughn could eat into Taylor Jr.'s volume, as all three are basically replacement-level players. If Guerendo suits up, Taylor Jr. should be on fantasy benches, but if Guerendo can't go, the former Packer is a high-ceiling/low-floor play on the RB2/3 border.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15 at home on Thursday Night Football. Last week versus Chicago, Purdy moved the ball nearly at will -- especially in the first half. He finished 20-for-25 with 325 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers while adding 11 yards on the ground. The successful day was a welcome development after Purdy was held to 2.16 Yahoo default fantasy points in snowy Buffalo the week before. The Rams' air defense has been vulnerable, tied with Las Vegas for eighth in generosity to opposing fantasy quarterbacks. Most recently, Los Angeles was shredded by Bills QB Josh Allen to the tune of 50-plus fantasy points during a Week 14 win. The Rams defense will be without starting cornerback Cobie Durant (chest). San Francisco's offense is still hurting, with left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) set to miss his fourth-straight game and rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) questionable, though left guard Aaron Banks (concussion) has been cleared to play after missing two games. Purdy is pretty well set up to have a solid night, making him a low-end QB1 with upside.

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) is listed as questionable for Thursday's night game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press. Guerendo sustained this injury last weekend during their victory over the Chicago Bears. Before the injury the fourth-round rookie tallied 78 yards and two scores on 15 attempts. With both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on the injured reserve, Guerendo was slated to operate as the lead running back for the remainder of the season. However, dealing with his own injury, Patrick Taylor Jr. may be given the starting nod on Thursday. Taylor ran for 25 yards and a touchdown after Guerendo left and could be a viable RB2 in all formats if he is given the starting nod.

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) had his jersey on at the team' walkthrough practice on Tuesday and was walking around without a limp, but he didn't take part and was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day this week. The 49ers will see how much progress Guerendo makes over the next two days. If Guerendo is unable to play on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, the 49ers' RB pecking order will likely be Patrick Taylor Jr., then Ke'Shawn Vaughn and then Israel Abanikanda. Christian McCaffrey (knee) is done for the year, while Jordan Mason (ankle) could also miss the rest of the year with a high-ankle sprain. The 24-year-old Guerendo delivered immediately for fantasy managers in the Week 14 win over the Chicago Bears, going for 128 scrimmage yards and two scores, but right now, he's up in the air to play on a short turnaround in Week 15.

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo (foot) has been diagnosed with a foot sprain and is considered day-to-day this week to "see if he's got a shot" to play on Thursday night against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Week 15, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 24-year-old rookie said himself he was removed in the second half of Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears as a precaution and that he felt fine, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him held out on a quick turnaround. In his first start of the year with both Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) out, Guerendo looked great for his fantasy managers, racking up 128 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 17 touches. Guerendo has become a must-start in fantasy as the 49ers' lead back, but he could be out or limited this Thursday, paving the way for Patrick Taylor Jr. to make a start.UPDATE: Guerendo was estimated as a DNP for practice on Monday.