SANTA CLARA – Patrick Taylor Jr. was ready for a stunning final college season and a likely draft day party.

But that exploded when Taylor suffered a Lisfranc injury in Memphis’ 2019 season opener against Ole Miss.

His senior season was ruined, he underwent a series of surgeries, his draft status plummeted, and he was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work his way up the NFL as an undrafted free agent.

Taylor, now in his fourth year as a pro, is in line for significant playing time and could make the first start of his NFL career for the 49ers on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

“It’s really exciting, especially going through everything I’ve been through over the years, working as hard as I can and getting to this point,” Taylor said. “I am very excited about this opportunity.”

Taylor had a breakthrough junior season at Memphis, rushing for 1,122 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per rushing attempt.

Taylor originally signed with the Green Bay Packers following the 2020 NFL Draft. He had to sit out his entire rookie season due to his foot ailment.

The Packers waived him at the end of the following training camp. He quickly worked his way from the practice squad to Green Bay’s 53-man roster. Taylor found a role as one of the Packers’ key special teams contributors.

“The biggest obstacle I overcame to get to this point was the hard work and injuries I suffered in college,” he said. “I hurt my foot in college and got the Lisfranc injury, and when I got out and went undrafted in the NFL, I got released, got a contract and had to go through all that heartache.

“I feel like it all prepared me for where I am today.”

After three seasons with the Packers, the 49ers signed Taylor as a free agent in the offseason. He joined a packed room full of running backs. And he managed to secure a spot on the roster and appeared in ten of the 49ers’ first 14 games.

“At first, I love competing,” he said. “I was around defensemen, great defensemen, like Elijah Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason, and we drafted Isaac Guerendo. Being around these guys also helped me improve my level.”

Taylor (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) will be prepared for his opportunity, having worked closely with running backs coach Bobby Turner to ensure he is well-coached in any scenario. Taylor spent a lot of time working on his route running and pass catching.

“He’s been here since training camp,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He’s done a really good job for us, he’s played in this league before, he has experience there in Green Bay and when he got his chances with us he ran the ball well.

“And when he doesn’t run the ball, he really helped us on special teams. So it’s a great opportunity for him and we’re glad we have him.”

Taylor has rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries this season.

At 26, Taylor will be the focal point of the 49ers’ running game after injuries sidelined McCaffrey, Mason and Guerendo in recent weeks.

Taylor said he always believed in his abilities but couldn’t know for sure if he would ever earn a chance like the one he will have Sunday against the Dolphins.

“It certainly comes to mind sometimes,” Taylor said. “As long as you stay persistent and consistent and disciplined in your process and your game, it won’t bother you.”

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