J.J. TAYLOR NEWS

J.J. Taylor on James White 9/30: "He has been a mentor to me" Patriots running back JJ Taylor addresses the media on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 • PATRIOTS.COM

Could see role expand With James White (hip) expected to miss the rest of the season, Taylor is a candidate to see added work in the Patriots offense, Matt Fairburn of The Athletic reports.

Impact It's worth noting that Week 3, at least, it was Brandon Bolden -- normally a core special teamer -- who handled the bulk of the team's change-of-pace duties in the immediate aftermath of White's injury. That said, we suspect Bolden's experience and ability in pass protection gave him the edge as an in-game fill-in option. In the coming weeks, though, we expect both Taylor and power back Rhamondre Stevenson to have an opportunity to log extra snaps as well, especially if one or both can prove capable of handling blocking assignments. In that context, the 5-foot-6, 185-pound Taylor could see enough touches to emerge as an option in deeper PPR formats behind top back Damien Harris.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

One carry in Week 3 Taylor was on the field for 10 of a possible 72 snaps on offense in Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Saints, en route to carrying once for two yards and catching both of his targets for...

Impact With James White having suffered a hip injury that's expected to cost him some time, Taylor's profile in the Patriots offense could expand in the coming weeks. It's worth noting that in Week 3, at least, it was Brandon Bolden (33 snaps) -- normally a core special teamer -- who handled the bulk of the team's change-of-pace duties after White (six snaps) exited Sunday's contest. That said, Taylor could be worth a speculative add in deeper PPR formats to see if the team's future game plans are designed to get the ball in his hands more often in White's anticipated absence.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Logs five snaps in Week 2 Taylor was on the field for five of a possible 58 snaps on offense in Sunday's 25-6 win over the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact As expected, in his regular-season debut Taylor worked behind both James White (29 snaps) and Damien Harris (24 snaps), while recording two carries for three yards. As long as both White and Harris remain available, steady volume will be hard to come by for whichever player (be it Taylor or Rhamondre Stevenson) serves as the team's No. 3 RB option.

SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Active for Week 2 Taylor is active for Sunday's game against the Jets.

Impact With Taylor active Sunday, 2021 fourth-rounder Rhamondre Stevenson is the odd man out, while Damien Harris is in line to serve as the Patriots' lead back, with James White handling change-of-pace duties. In that context, Taylor figures to mix in versus the Jets, but he's a speculative fantasy play as long as both Harris and White are available.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Inactive Sunday Taylor is inactive for Sunday's season opener against the Dolphins.

Impact With Taylor inactive Sunday, Damien Harris, James White, Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden are in line to handle the Patriots' Week 1 backfield duties. Taylor figures to enter the team's lineup down the road, however, once injuries hit.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Carving out opportunity Taylor's chances of making an impact in New England's backfield have increased after Sony Michel was traded to the Rams on Wednesday, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

Impact Prior to Michel being moved, Taylor's roster spot looked much less secure, but the 5-foot-6, 185-pounder has looked good this summer and appears poised to stick as a shifty change-of-pace option behind top back Damien Harris. With pass-catching stalwart James White, power back Rhamondre Stevenson and special-teams ace Brandon Bolden also in the mix, Taylor doesn't have a path to steady volume, but the Arizona product has flashed playmaking ability when given touches. He could emerge as a fantasy factor as the season progresses when injuries hit New England's backfield, or when game scripts favor his style of running.

AUGUST 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Rams get RB Sony Michel from Patriots for 2022 draft picks

The Los Angeles Rams have acquired running back Sony Michel from the New England Patriots for undisclosed 2022 draft picks

AUGUST 25, 2021 • Associated Press

Rushes for 93 yards Taylor carried 12 times for 93 yards and a TD and caught all three of his targets for 18 yards in Thursday's 35-0 preseason win over the Eagles.

Impact With Damien Harris, James White, Sony Michel, Rhamondre Stevenson and special-teams ace Brandon Bolden also in the team's backfield mix, the Patriots have some tough roster choices to make in advance of final cutdowns. Listed by the team at 5-foot-6, 185 pounds, Taylor isn't really suited for a key early-down role, but if he's able to stick -- either on the final roster heading into Week 1 or as a practice squad member -- the Arizona product could occasionally make his mark as a change-of-pace option on weeks that he's made active.

AUGUST 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

J.J. Taylor's filthy spin move sends defender to the turf New England Patriots running back J.J. Taylor's filthy spin move sends defender to the turf.

AUGUST 20, 2021 • NFL.COM

J.J. Taylor caps strong drive with TD off the edge New England Patriots running back J.J. Taylor caps strong drive with TD off the edge.

AUGUST 20, 2021 • NFL.COM

Could be busy Thursday Mike Reiss of ESPN.com suggests that Taylor could log plenty of second-half action in Thursday's preseason opener versus Washington.

Impact Whereas we'd expect roster locks like Damien Harris, Sony Michel and James White to have their preseason reps limited, Taylor is fighting for depth chart slotting with rookie Rhamondre Stevenson and special team's ace Brandon Bolden. The second-year back out of Arizona thus figures to see his share of touches during New England's exhibition slate, as he tries to secure a change-of-pace role heading in Week 1.

AUGUST 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Recruiting Insider: Relationships key to Michigan’s strong standing with Ty Rodgers. Whether Michigan gets Ty Rodgers or not, the way his coach has handled that recruitment out the gate was a big deal, is a big deal, and it p...

MAY 5, 2021 • 247SPORTS.COM

Logs 23 carries in 2020 Taylor finished the 2020 season with 23 carries for 110 yards and a TD and one catch for four yards on two targets in six games.

Impact Taylor, who the Patriots signed as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona, saw limited opportunities as a rookie, but the 5-foot-6, 185-pounder could see an increased change-of-pace role in 2021, depending on the team's offseason approach to the running back position. With that in mind, both James White and Rex Burkhead are eligible for free agency.

JANUARY 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Records 38 rushing yards Taylor carried six times for 38 yards in Monday night's 38-9 loss to the Bills.

Impact With Damien Harris (ankle) inactive, Taylor logged 16 of a possible 50 snaps on offense Monday, while working behind Sony Michel and pass-catching back James White. Taylor's 28-yard run in the second quarter of the contest was one of the few bright spots for New England's offense Monday, but it remains to seen how much he'll be involved in the team's season finale, especially if Harris returns to the backfield mix in Week 17.

DECEMBER 29, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

J.J. Taylor is a blur on 28-yard dash up the middle New England Patriots running back J.J. Taylor is a blur on 28-yard dash up the middle.

DECEMBER 29, 2020 • NFL.COM

Suiting up for Week 16 Taylor (quadricep) is active heading into Monday night's game against Buffalo.

Impact Taylor was considered questionable coming into the divisional tilt after being kept to limited participation throughout the preceding practice week. An appearance against the Bills would represent a second in as many weeks for the 22-year-old, and a fifth total game appearance this season. Taylor, an Arizona product, saw his highest level of offensive involvement Week 3 against the Raiders when he registered 43 yards on 11 carries. He may not garner so many opportunities against the Bills, with both Sony Michel and James White active for the AFC East showdown.

DECEMBER 29, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Carries questionable tag Taylor (quadricep) is questionable for Monday's game versus the Bills, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Impact Taylor battled through this injury last week. With a week of limited practices behind him, Taylor is on the right track for Monday night's matchup against the Bills. The 22-year-old running back played just five snaps on offense last week; he'll likely remain in a reserve role this week, especially if Damien Harris (ankle) is active.

DECEMBER 26, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Logs limited practice Thursday Taylor (quadriceps) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Taylor was among 20 Patriots listed as limited Thursday, and it remains to be seen how serious his quad injury is. The rookie has played a limited role on offense this season, but he could see some extra snaps -- if he's able to suit up -- over the final two contests now that New England has been eliminated from playoff contention.

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Logs five snaps in Week 15 Taylor carried once for two yards in Sunday's 22-12 loss to the Dolphins.

Impact With Damien Harris (ankle) inactive for the contest, Taylor had a chance to see his first game action since Week 3, en route to logging five snaps on offense. Though he's firmly behind Harris, Sony Michel and James White on the Patriots' RB depth chart, it's possible that Taylor could see some extra touches over the team's last two games, with New England having been eliminated from the playoffs as a result of Sunday's loss.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Active for Week 15 Taylor (quadriceps) will play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Impact Taylor will make his first appearance since Week 3, as he's dealt with injury and illness this season. With Damien Harris (ankle) ruled out of the game, Taylor is expected to handle a clear No. 3 role at running back for the game behind Sony Michel and James White.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Patriots-Dolphins Inactive List Reaction: J.J. Taylor Up With Damien Harris Out - NESN.com Patriots rookie J.J. Taylor, an undrafted free agent out of Arizona, is set to play for the first time since Week 3.

DECEMBER 20, 2020 • NESN.COM

Pegged as questionable Taylor (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Dolphins.

Impact Taylor hasn't played since Week 3. He was a limited participant in practice all week, but that's been a consistent theme lately with no effect on his game status. If he's able to suit up, he'll simply add depth in the backfield behind Damien Harris (ankle) and James White (foot), both of whom are also questionable.

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Limited showing Wednesday Taylor was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice due to a quadriceps injury, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Impact Taylor hasn't suited up in game action since Week 3, as he continues to manage the quadriceps injury. Taylor is still behind Damien Harris, James White (foot) and Sony Michel on the running back depth chart, so even if he were to return, he likely wouldn't affect much from a fantasy perspective.

DECEMBER 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE