The San Francisco 49ers made key roster updates today, including promoting running back Patrick Taylor Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster. To create space for this move, defensive lineman Kevin Givens has been placed on Injured Reserve. Additionally, the team added running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn to their practice squad.

Patrick Taylor Jr. Steps Up

Patrick Taylor Jr., a 6’2”, 217-pound running back, started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2020. Over the past four years, Taylor has played in 42 games between the Packers (2020–2023) and the 49ers (2024). During his career, he has rushed for 286 yards on 72 carries (averaging 4.0 yards per carry) and scored one touchdown. Taylor has also made 15 receptions for 81 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per catch.

In postseason play, Taylor appeared in three games and recorded three carries for six yards. Earlier this year, he joined the 49ers as a free agent on April 8 and played in eight games, contributing 25 rushing yards on seven carries and catching one pass for 12 yards. After being waived on November 9, Taylor returned to the team’s practice squad on November 12.

Originally from Humble, Texas, Taylor had a standout college career at the University of Memphis. In 45 games, he rushed for 2,884 yards on 536 carries, scoring 36 touchdowns and averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 434 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 55 catches, finishing with 3,322 yards from scrimmage and 39 touchdowns.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn Joins the Practice Squad

Ke’Shawn Vaughn, standing 5’10” and weighing 214 pounds, was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Over four NFL seasons, Vaughn has appeared in 43 games, rushing for 384 yards on 103 carries (averaging 3.7 yards per attempt) and scoring two touchdowns. He has also caught 14 passes for 81 yards and one touchdown.

In 2023, Vaughn played in six games, contributing 42 rushing yards and two receiving yards. Earlier this year, Vaughn briefly joined the 49ers’ practice squad in August before being released in November. The team has now brought him back.

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Vaughn began his college career at the University of Illinois before transferring to Vanderbilt. Across 46 collegiate games, he rushed for 3,296 yards and 30 touchdowns while catching 67 passes for 664 yards and three touchdowns.

Kevin Givens Out with Injury

Kevin Givens, a 6’1”, 285-pound defensive lineman, has been placed on Injured Reserve after playing in eight games this season, including one start. Givens recorded 11 tackles and 3.5 sacks before his injury.

These moves highlight the 49ers’ adaptability as they address injuries and prepare for the challenges ahead.