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

EDGE Analysis

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.

With Sony Michel having been traded to the Rams, Taylor's chances of making an impact in New England's backfield have increased, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

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 and 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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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

EDGE Analysis

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.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

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

EDGE Analysis

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.

Taylor (quadriceps) is active heading into Monday night's game against Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

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 Buffalo, with both Sony Michel and James White active for the AFC East showdown.

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

EDGE Analysis

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.

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

EDGE Analysis

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.

Taylor carried once for two yards in Sunday's 22-12 loss to the Dolphins.

EDGE Analysis

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.