Full Breakdown
49ers Place Patrick Taylor on IR, Re-Sign Khalil Herbert Ahead of Preseason
8/21/2026, 11:32:50 AM
Roster Move: Taylor to Injured Reserve, Herbert Returns
The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on season-ending injured reserve, ending his campaign for the second straight year. The team simultaneously re-signed veteran running back Khalil Herbert to fill the vacant roster spot. Herbert had been released on August 17 and was brought back under a new contract, the same day the move was announced.
Background on Patrick Taylor
Taylor, a former Green Bay Packers player, joined the 49ers in 2024 after three seasons with the Packers. He recorded 39 carries for a career-high 183 rushing yards and one touchdown that season, bringing his 49ers totals to 444 rushing yards and two touchdowns with a 4.3-yard average. He re-signed on a one-year deal on March 24 before being placed on IR in the preseason. The injury was not disclosed, but prior reports noted a shoulder issue from the previous season.
Khalil Herbert’s Career Overview
Herbert, a 2021 sixth-round draft pick (217th overall) of the Chicago Bears, has appeared in 63 NFL games (13 starts) across stints with the Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. He has amassed 416 carries for 1,957 yards and nine rushing touchdowns, plus 54 receptions for 316 yards and two receiving scores. In the 49ers’ preseason opener versus the Tennessee Titans, Herbert logged six carries for 18 yards and two catches for 35 yards.
Impact on Running-Back Depth
The 49ers’ backfield entered the preseason with multiple injuries: Jordan James is sidelined with fractured ribs, and Isaac Guerendo is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle. With Taylor on IR and Herbert back on the roster, the team expects Herbert to assume a heavier workload, while rookie Kaelon Black may also see increased snaps. The adjustments come ahead of the Thursday night preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
