(1/1/2012) Cardinals RB Chester Taylor was able to find the end zone for the first time this season in Week 17 against the Seahawks. Taylor was able to scamper in the end zone on a 1-yard run in the first quarter. He briefly left with an injury but did return to finish with 8 yards on three carries in the 23-20 win. Taylor also caught a pass for 6 yards.
Taylor totals minus-3 yards
(11/27/2011) Arizona RB Chester Taylor didn't do much in the Week 12 game at St. Louis. Taylor, rushing behind a career day from Beanie Wells, was limited to just two carries for 1 yard. Taylor did catch two pases in the game for minus-4 yards. Taylor didn't score for the Cardinals in the game.
Taylor sees limited action
(11/6/2011) Cardinals RB Chester Taylor had two carries for 8 yards in Week 9 against the Rams. He got some playing time after Beanie Wells suffered a stinger, but he didn't stay out of the game long. Taylor also had one catch for 8 yards in Arizona's 19-13 win.
Coach likes what he sees in Taylor
(9/29/2011) Cardinals backup running back Chester Taylor saw his first significant action for Arizona in Week 3 against Seattle. "Chester did alright," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "It's a tough situation to come in and have to play when you haven't been with a team very long." With the Cards playing it safe with the banged up Beanie Wells, Taylor may get into the mix again in Week 4 against the Giants. New York has been allowing 103.3 rushing yards per contest so far this season.
Taylor quiet for Cards
(9/25/2011) Arizona RB Chester Taylor got the start in Week 3 against Seattle, but didn't do a lot with his added playing time. With Beanie Wells banged up the Cardinals turned to the veteran Taylor, who had just eight carries for 20 yards. His long scamper went for 8 yards. He was targeted twice in the passing game, catching one pass for 12 yards. Arizona would lose to Seattle, 13-10.
Taylor to start for the Cardinals
(9/25/2011) With Cardinals RB Beanie Wells sidelined for Week 3 at Seattle, RB Chester Taylor will start in his place. Taylor, who came over from the Bears just before the start of the regular season, has only one carry so far.
Taylor an emergency option for Wells
(9/23/2011) With injuries limiting Beanie Wells and LaRod Stephens-Howling this week, there's a chance that the Cardinals will rely on veteran rusher Chester Taylor and second-year RB Alfonso Smith against the Seahawks in Week 3. Both Wells and Stephens-Howling are game-time decisions, though Taylor himself told the Arizona Republic that he thinks Wells will play.
Taylor could see increase
(9/22/2011) Cardinals RB Chester Taylor could see more touches in Week 3 against Seattle, depending on how healthy Beanie Wells is. Wells suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday's practice, so there is a chance Taylor gets the bulk of the action. The Seahawks are allowing 104.5 yards on the ground per contest through two weeks this season.
Taylor touches football just once
(9/18/2011) Arizona RB Chester Taylor was expected to back up Beanie Wells in the Week 2 loss against the Redskins on Sunday. However, Taylor managed just one carry and did not gain any positive yardage. He was not targeted in the passing game, either.
Taylor inactive but not injured
(9/11/2011) Cardinals RB Chester Taylor was ruled inactive for Week 1 against the Panthers. Chester, who was signed last Sunday, has only had a few practices under his belt and the club felt he needed more time to absorb the playbook.
Taylor heads to Arizona
(9/4/2011) The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cardinals have agreed to terms with RB Chester Taylor, who was released by Chicago on Saturday during final cuts. Taylor is expected to be the No. 2 RB behind Beanie Wells, with LaRod Stephens-Howling still likely to work in passing situations.
Report: Taylor's gone for real this time
(9/3/2011) The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Bears have released RB Chester Taylor. A similar report came out within the last week but Taylor stayed on the roster.
Taylor to stick with the Bears?
(9/1/2011) RB Chester Taylor may have a job in Chicago after all. Taylor, seemed certain to be released in the final cuts, suddenly has a better chance of sticking with the team because of injuries to backups Marion Barber and Kahlil Bell. Taylor had a standard (for him) 27 yards on 10 carries against the Browns Thursday.
Taylor clears the air in Chicago
(8/30/2011) Bears RB Chester Taylor was back at practice Tuesday after Monday's fiasco about the reports of his release. Taylor, who is expected to play Thursday against the Browns, took the blame for the misunderstanding with coach Lovie Smith. “It was just a miscommunication,” Taylor said after practice Tuesday. “I thought something happened. I just took the words the wrong way, basically. I don’t want to be released. I like it here in Chicago. I am going to continue playing and see what happens.”
Taylor released, or was he?
(8/29/2011) ESPN reports that, despite being told he was not in the team's plans on Monday by coach Lovie Smith, Bears RB Chester Taylor was summoned back to the team's facility by a member of the front office. Taylor returned and later left without any announcement as to his status with the team.
Source: Bears to cut RB Taylor
(8/29/2011) The Chicago Sun-Times, citing a league source, report that the Bears will cut RB Chester Taylor. The Bears acquired Taylor from the Vikings last season. Taylor started all 16 games, rushing for 267 yards on 112 attempts for a 2.4 yards per carry average.
Taylor replaced in Chicago?
(7/31/2011) With the signing of Marion Barber in Chicago, it appears veteran rusher Chester Taylor is on his way out of town, or at least out of the team's rushing plans. Taylor was the first RB to average less than 2.4 yards per carry with a minimum of 100 carries since the AFL-NFL merger.
Report: RB Taylor to be cut
(2/7/2011) The Bears will release RB Chester Taylor this offseason, reports Comcast Sportsnet. According to a source, the Bears were not happy with Taylor's play in 2010 after giving him a $7 million signing bonus this offseason. Taylor was the first RB to average less than 2.4 yards per carry with a minimum of 100 carries since the AFL-NFL merger.
Taylor provides lift
(1/23/2011) Chicago RB Chester Taylor posted three carries for two yards and a touchdown in the Bears' 21-14 loss to Green Bay in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. Taylor also caught a pass for 12 yards, but his key play in the game came on a late fourth-down run. With Chicago facing a 4th-and-1 situation with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Taylor took a handoff from QB Caleb Hanie and barreled through the right side of the Packers defense for the first down to continue the drive.
Taylor scores TD
(1/16/2011) Chicago RB Chester Taylor collected 11 carries for 44 yards and the only touchdown from a Bears running back in the team's 35-24 victory over Seattle in an NFC Divisional Playoff matchup. Taylor scored on a 1-yard run on Chicago's third drive in the first quarter after starting RB Matt Forte was stopped for short on the previous play. Taylor failed to catch a pass for the fourth game in a row.
Not much from Taylor in Week 17
(1/2/2011) Bears RB Chester Taylor did not receive many touches in Week 17 against the Packers. He saw three carries and gained 11 yards in the 10-3 loss. He finished second on Chicago in rushing behind Matt Forte (91 yards).
Taylor to see more touches in Week 17?
(12/30/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor has been little-used this season but he could see some more touches in Week 17 against the Packers. With Chicago having their first-round bye in the playoffs already locked up, coach Lovie Smith might elect to rest some of his starters as the game goes on. Taylor could see an increased role if Matt Forte is given some rest. Green Bay enters Sunday ranked 19th in the league against the run, allowing over 115 yards per contest, but have given up an average of just 12.3 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Taylor gets 4 yards
(12/26/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor had 4 rush yards on four carries vs. the Jets in Week 16.
Slow treading for Taylor in Week 15
(12/21/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor could not find much room to run in Week 15 against the Vikings. He received 11 carries but gained just 5 yards in the 40-14 win. Taylor finished third on Chicago in rushing behind Matt Forte (92 yards) and Garrett Wolfe (8 yards).
Taylor back at full speed
(12/17/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor (knee) returned to full participation Friday after seeing limited practice time on Thursday. By Saturday, he wasn't even listed on the injury report. The Bears take on the Vikings in Week 15 on Monday night. Minnesota ranks 10th in the league against the run, allowing 101.3 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 15.1 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. In his only career outing against his former team, Taylor had 33 yards on 11 carries with three catches for 8 yards.
(12/16/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor (knee) was limited in practice on Thursday as his team prepares for Week 15 against the Vikings. Minnesota ranks 10th in the league against the pass, allowing 101.3 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 15.1 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. In his only career outing against his former team, Taylor had 33 yards on 11 carries with three catches for 8 yards.
Taylor provides Bears lone score
(12/12/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor supplied the only offense for his team in Week 14 against the Patriots. He scored from 1 yard out in the third quarter for his third rushing touchdown of the year. He finished the 36-7 loss with three carries for 1 yard and one catch for 8 yards.
More touches for Taylor?
(12/12/2010) The Patriots-Bears Week 14 matchup in Chicago will be impacted by freezing temperatures, strong winds including gusts over 40 m.p.h. and several inches of snow. That could impact the Bears' passing offense even though they've made alterations to their game in recent weeks. Bears QB Jay Cutler will likely need to hand off to his running backs more than usual. While RB Matt Forte will reap most of the benefits, RB Chester Taylor could also see a few more touches. Taylor has not had more than 11 carries in any game out of the past seven, but he could easily exceed that total against the Pats. “There will be low visibility, probably even in the stadium,” National Weather Service meteorologist Richard Castro told the DeKalb Daily Chronicle. “There will be snow on the field, and that will be blowing around with the very strong winds. The other thing is, being right on the lakefront, that’s where we’re expecting the strongest wind gusts out of this storm.”
C. Taylor returns to practice
(12/9/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor, who sat out Wednesday's practice with a knee issue, was back on the field Thursday. Chicago hosts New England in Week 14. The Patriots rank 19th in the league in rushing defense, allowing over 114 yards per contest, and have given up an average of 19 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Taylor resting a sore knee
(12/8/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor was held out of practice Wednesday due to knee soreness. The Bears are preparing to the play the Patriots in Week 14.
Taylor gets into end zone
(12/5/2010) Chicago RB Chester Taylor was plenty involved in the offense during the Week 13 24-20 win over the Lions. Taylor rushed nine times for 33 yards, including a 1-yard TD run with three seconds to play in the first quarter. Taylor added five catches for 31 yards and was targeted five times by QB Jay Cutler.
Little expected out of Taylor
(12/1/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor continues to back up Matt Forte heading into Week 13 in Detroit. Taylor rushed for minus-3 yards behind Forte on six carries in the Week 12 win over Philadelphia, while Forte topped 100 yards in the game. Taylor has scored one rushing touchdown this season (Week 9 at Buffalo) and has never rushed for more than 43 yards in any game. In Week 1 against the Lions, Taylor carried the ball nine times for 29 yards.
Negative charge for Taylor
(11/29/2010) Chicago reserve running back Chester Taylor finished with six carries for minus-three yards in the Bears' Week 12 victory over the Eagles on Sunday. Taylor had received 10-plus carries in Chicago's last three games but struggled mightily on Sunday. The Bears' offense continued to run through starter Matt Forte, who finished with 133 total yards against Philadelphia.
Taylor made for more work?
(11/27/2010) With Chicago's emphasis on running the ball more recently, Bears backup running back Chester Taylor could see more playing time. Chicago, which hosts Philadelphia in Week 12 on Sunday, have run the ball an average of 36 times during its current three-game win streak. Taylor has 216 rushing yards on 76 attempts with one touchdown this season.
Taylor struggles with workload
(11/19/2010) For the third consecutive week, Bears running back Chester Taylor received 10-plus carries but was unable to gain significant yardage. Taylor, starting RB Matt Forte's primary backup, rushed the ball 11 times in Chicago's Week 11 game at Miami but finished with only 10 yards with his longest carry resulting in five yards. In contrast, Forte had a season-high 25 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Taylor confident against 'anybody'
(11/17/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor is confident in the team's offense after beating the Vikings in Week 10. "We played a great defense (Minnesota) and put up 27 points," Taylor said. "It's real big and that was a big win, a division opponent, going against a defense like that. We know we can play with anybody." He had 41 total yards (33 rushing) in the win. The Bears face the Dolphins on Thursday night.
Taylor totals 41 yards
(11/14/2010) In the Bears' Week 10 win vs. the Vikings, RB Chester Taylor continued to stay involved in the offense and wound up with 33 rush yards on 11 carries and 8 receiving yards on three catches (four targets). The Bears wound up rushing way more than expected in this one as Taylor and Matt Forte combined for 32 attempts.
Taylor to have 'special' game?
(11/11/2010)Chester Taylor has resurfaced on Fantasy radars thanks to his touchdown last week against the Bills and an expanded role in the Bears' offense. That role could be getting larger. The ex-Viking will play his former mates for the first time in Week 10, and while ex-teammates are lauding Taylor for his work in Minnesota, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz isn't shy to say that Taylor will keep taking on part of the run-game workload with Matt Forte in Week 10 against the Vikings. "I think you have to do that," offensive coordinator Mike Martz said of more carries for Taylor. "It’s a special game for him and we want to make that special for him as well.” The Vikings are one of the league's Top 10 run defenses, giving up an average of 96.2 yards on the ground per game with six rushing scores allowed all season.
RB Taylor to face old mates
(11/10/2010)Chester Taylor has resurfaced on Fantasy radars thanks to his touchdown last week against the Bills. He's expected to keep taking on part of the run-game workload with Matt Forte in Week 10 against the Vikings. "I think you have to do that," offensive coordinator Mike Martz said of more carries for Taylor. "It’s a special game for him and we want to make that special for him as well.” The Vikings are one of the league's Top 10 run defenses, giving up an average of 96.2 yards on the ground per game with six rushing scores allowed all season.
Taylor scores from goal line
(11/7/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor was reportedly going to get goal-line carries in the Week 9 game against the Bills. Taylor did get a goal-line carry and he scored a touchdown from 1 yard out in the third quarter of Sunday's win over the Bills. The Taylor TD was set up by a 22-yard run by Matt Forte, the starter. The TD was the Bears' first third-quarter TD all season. Taylor added one catch for 14 yards and was targeted just once in the passing game. Taylor rushed 10 times for 13 yards.
Taylor to start scoring TDs?
(11/2/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor heads into Week 9 at Buffalo coming off a bye week with possibly a larger role in the offense. He rushed three times for 20 yards in Week 7 in a loss to Washington but the Bears said during the following week that he could start taking goal-line carries away from starter Matt Forte. The Bears, who rank 30th in rushing attempts (22.3 per game), want to run more in order to bring a better balance to the offense. "I think it's key," Forte said Monday. "It's essential to our offense. In order to pass it effectively and use the play-action pass, you need to run the ball."
More reps coming for RB Taylor?
(10/27/2010) Two areas offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants to get RB Chester Taylor more involved in is short-yardage and goal-line plays, the coach said Wednesday during the team's bye week. Taylor's quickness to the hole makes him a natural there. The Bears are 31st in the NFL in goal-to-go situations. Martz would also like to use Taylor and Matt Forte at the same time more often. "We’ve got to get them in the game more together," he said. "I think that’s a neat opportunity for us."
Taylor to be goal-line back?
(10/25/2010) Bears offense coordinator Mike Martz told WBBM 780 on Monday that he plans on using RB Chester Taylor in goal-line situations going forward. Taylor has 44 carries for 160 yards this season, second on Chicago to RB Matt Forte.
Taylor does little behind Forte
(10/24/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor did little behind Matt Forte in Week 7 against the Redskins. The Bears running game did almost nothing and Taylor finished with three carries for 20 yards. Taylor, who was targeted twice in the passing game by QB Jay Cutler, caught two passes for 10 more yards. He did not score in the game.
Taylor is background filler
(10/20/2010) Chicago RB Chester Taylor heads into the Week 7 game against Washington with limited numbers this season. Taylor has rushed 41 times behind Matt Forte for just 3.4 yards per carry for 140 total with no scores. He has just eight catches for 68 yards as QB Jay Cutler prefers throwing to his starting running back. Taylor is not a regular red zone target, either.
C. Taylor totals 35 yards
(10/17/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor ran four times for 31 yards and caught two passes for 4 yards in a Week 6 loss to the Seahawks.
C. Taylor to build on Week 5?
(10/15/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor, who got 18 carries for 43 yards in a Week 5 win over the Panthers, will try to build on that solid outing in Week 6 against a Seahawks defense that has been so easy to pass against that teams haven't run much against them this season.
Taylor almost gets first TD
(10/10/2010) Chicago RB Chester Taylor almost got into the scoring action in Week 5 as he took his second carry of the game in for score -- who so the Bears thought. It was then ruled he was down at the 1-yard line, leading to Bears coach Lovie Smith to challenge the ruling on the field. Chicago was charged with a timeout as the ruling on the field stood. On the next play the Bears fed him the ball again, but failed to get into the end zone. The Panthers claimed they recovered a fumble, leading to another challenge, this time by Carolina coach John Fox. After it was all said and done, Taylor and the Bears would not score a touchdown from the 1-yard line. Taylor rushed for 43 yards on 18 carries. He also was targeted three times, catching two passes for 11 yards.
Taylor sees decline in targets
(10/7/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor has seen his targets and rushes decline since the opening week of the season. He's gone from 13 targets/touches to three in Week 4. With Carolina on deck in Week 5, Chicago will be without their starting quarterback, Jay Cutler. The Bears may lean on Taylor and Matt Forte more, as the Panthers are allowing 113.5 yards per game on the ground. Mike Martz' offense is known for its passing, which is evident so far this season with the Bears -- Chicago is averaging 33 pass plays per contest as opposed to 21 rush attempts per game. Each week the team's rushing attempts have decreased.
Taylor finds some room in Week 4
(10/4/2010) After rushing for just 44 yards in the first three games this season, Bears RB Chester Taylor had some success against the Giants in Week 4. He carried the ball three times for 22 yards in the 17-3 loss. He nearly matched Matt Forte's numbers (26 yards) despite carrying the ball nine fewer time.
(9/30/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor has had some success against his Week 4 matchup -- the Giants. In four career games against New York, the 31-year-old has carried the ball 67 times for 203 yards with one touchdown. That was when he was a starter in Minnesota but the Giants rank 26th in the league against the run this season. Taylor remains the No. 2 option behind Matt Forte in Chicago but could do some damage in his third-down role.
Another slow week for Taylor vs. Packers
(9/28/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor did not see much action in Week 3 against the Packers. He carried the ball just three times for 9 yards in the 20-17 win. He was also targeted for one pass from QB Jay Cutler but did not record a reception. Taylor has 44 yards rushing through the first three weeks this season.
Taylor faces GB in Chicago uni
(9/24/2010) The Green Bay Packers will see a familiar foe on the field in Week 3 -- RB Chester Taylor. Only this time he isn't donning the purple of Minnesota. Taylor will face Green Bay for the first time in a Bears uniform. Taylor has totaled 74 carries for 306 yards and 20 catches for 263 yards and one touchdown in nine career games against Green Bay. However, Taylor isn't being used as much by Chicago, totaling just 35 rushing yards on 13 carries in two games. The Bears ground attack is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry as a team. "The running game, of course, you would like to see a little bit more production from it," coach Lovie Smith said. "But sometimes when a team is focused so much on stopping it, it opens up lanes for the passing game."
Taylor totals 15 offensive yards
(9/19/2010) Bears backup RB Chester Taylor did not have a big impact on the Chicago win over Dallas Week 2. Taylor managed just four carries behind Matt Forte, who had only 10 himself, for 6 yards. Taylor also caught two passes for 9 yards.
Taylor facing tougher Week 2 test
(9/15/2010) Chicago RB Chester Taylor is still expected to be a nice complement to Matt Forte Week 2 when the Bears travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys. Only this time, the Bears won't be facing the Lions. Taylor, who rushed nine times for 29 yards and caught three passes for 44 more against the Lions, will be facing a much tougher defense on Sunday and one that should be out for blood after Washington beat the Cowboys Week 1 without scoring an offensive touchdown.
Taylor gains 71 yards
(9/12/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor played well in a secondary role to Matt Forte on Sunday against the Lions. Taylor had nine carries for 29 yards and three catches for 44 yards. By comparison, Forte had 17 carries for 50 yards and seven catches for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Taylor ready for Chicago debut
(9/9/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor, who signed with Chicago this offseason from Minnesota, will make his debut with his new team Sunday against Detroit. Taylor is hoping to do more against the Lions with the Bears than he did with the Vikings. In his past four meetings against Detroit, all as Adrian Peterson's backup, Taylor has combined for 22 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown and nine catches for 86 yards. With more carries could come more production based on Detroit's defense. Last year, the Lions allowed 15 rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs and eight 100-yard games. But keep in mind that Taylor is still the No. 2 RB in Chicago behind Matt Forte.
Taylor fares better Saturday
(8/29/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor ran five times for 36 yards and caught an 11-yard pass in Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals. Taylor hadn't done much in his first two exhibition outings.
RB C. Taylor plays, looks slow
(8/22/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor overcame a nagging hamstring injury and played vs. the Raiders on Saturday, but didn't look too good doing it. Taylor had two rushes for 1 yard and two catches for 22 yards along with a two-point conversion on a run. Taylor also watched teammate Matt Forte burn the Raiders for 109 yards on five carries including an 89-yard touchdown run.
Taylor back at practice
(8/18/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor returned to practice Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday's practice with an injured hamstring. Taylor is expected to be the No. 2 RB in Chicago this year behind starter Matt Forte. Taylor spelled starter Matt Forte during the preseason opener against the Chargers on Saturday. He worked with the second team, racking up 10 yards on six carries. He also had a 14-yard reception.
Taylor out with hamstring injury
(8/17/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor missed Tuesday's practice with a hamstring pull. The Bears didn't sound overly concerned, as they were eager to give Khalil Bell and Garrett Wolfe more reps. "Kahlil Bell has had a good training camp," coach Lovie Smith said. "When a player like Chester Taylor takes a little bit of time off, it gives those guys more reps."
Taylor's Bears debut a dud
(8/15/2010) In the Bears' preseason loss at San Diego Saturday, RB Matt Forte started but had just 7 yards on four carries. Chester Taylor, who was brought in to help Forte with the rushing workload, saw his action with the second-team offense and didn't fare any better, getting 10 yards on six carries with a 14-yard reception.
Taylor part of 1-2 punch with Forte
(8/9/2010) Bears RB Chester Taylor keeps impressing, despite his age. Running backs coach Tim Spencer does not think his best days are behind him. "People talk about (him being) 30," Spencer said. "To me, that doesn't matter. He's out there every day, practicing, making cuts, looking quick, catching the ball, doing everything you want him to do." The Bears are considering counting on a 1-2 punch of Matt Forte and Taylor this season. "Nowadays in our league, it's a necessity to try to get two guys that you can count on," Spencer said.
Taylor splits reps with Forte
(8/3/2010) The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Bears RB coach Tim Spencer said Tuesday that Chester and Matt Forte are splitting reps. "Matt wants to be the best, and he's got someone pushing him," Spencer said. He also added that Forte is "pretty quick," and he hinted that the two could line up in the backfield together.
Taylor behind Forte to start
(6/14/2010) The Chicago Tribune reports RB Matt Forte will be a key to the Bears' success this year. The paper reports Forte is healthy coming into 2010 after dealing with hamstring and knee injuries last season. Forte reportedly looks faster then he did as a rookie. "I know I have more burst," Forte said. "I look different on tape. I was missing burst last year, and a second gear. It really wasn't there." Improved health isn't the only reason Forte should be better. He has a chance to become the centerpiece of Mike Martz's offense the way Marshall Faulk was for him with the Rams. "It's an offense that kind of circles around a running back who can catch the ball," said Forte. "A lot of our stuff looks like another play, so the defense doesn't know if we'll run it or pass it out of certain formations. That's good for the running back." The new run-blocking scheme offensive line coach Mike Tice had implemented also should help Forte. If executed properly, the scheme will create quick seams for Forte. Asked about the new blocking style, Forte said, "I'm excited about that."
Forte happy to have Taylor
(6/9/2010) A hamstring injury kept RB Matt Forte out of OTAs and part of training camp last year and a knee injury in Week 3 limited him through Week 17. He looks healthy now. "I feel a lot faster," he said Wednesday. "I actually went down to Florida and did some training, so I could redo the speed training and stuff that I did before that I didn't get to do because of my injuries." Forte said he never viewed the acquisition of Chester Taylor from Minnesota as a criticism of his 2009 production. "Competition is part of the game," Forte said. "If you're afraid of competition you shouldn't be playing, anyway, so I come out here and compete every day." But Forte, who continues handling first-team duties for the majority of offseason work, is glad to have Taylor on the team to help share the load. "It's not me vs. Chester," Forte said. "He's in here to help out the team, and I'm here to help out the team, too, to get to a championship. So that's what it is."
Taylor working with second-team offense
(5/24/2010)Matt Forte was the Bears' first-team running back at the onset of their May minicamp while new Bears RB Chester Taylor worked with the second-team offense. There were times when both lined up together in the backfield. Forte was definitely healthier during the camp compared to late last season as he had some burst back in his step while Taylor appeared to be fine.
Taylor to play behind Forte
(5/13/2010) The Chicago Tribune anticipates Bears RB Matt Forte will still get the majority of workload in the backfield this year even with Chester Taylor now on the roster. In a Q&A session with readers, Bears beat writer Dan Pompei was asked how the workload will be divided between Forte and Taylor this year. "I would anticipate Forte getting 60 to 70 percent of the running back touches -- as long as he's playing at least as well as he did in 2008," Pompei wrote. "If he runs like he did last year, a door is going to be open wide for Taylor to burst through. Whereas the Bears really did not have another good option to the slumping Forte last year, they have one this year." This reiterates what Bears coach Lovie Smith told CBSSports.com at the NFL owner's meeting in Orlando, Fla in March that Taylor was a "a perfect complement" for Forte and not a replacement.
Smith: Taylor excited to join Bears
(3/30/2010) Chicago coach Lovie Smith said in an interview with CBSSports.com at the NFL owner's meeting in Orlando, Fla., that the Bears added Chester Taylor this offseason as "a perfect complement" for Matt Forte and not as a replacement. But Smith expects Taylor to play a prominent role in Chicago. "There are players that you have that you bring in you don't usually get a chance to see them," Smith said. "Unfortunately, twice a year, I've seen Chester for a few years. It seems like he's made plays against us and performed at a high level every time we've got a chance to see him." Taylor has spent the past three years playing behind Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, and even though his role will increase in Chicago, Smith said Forte is still the starter.
Bears land RB Taylor
(3/5/2010) A person with knowledge of the negotiation says Vikings RB Chester Taylor has agreed to a four-year, $12.5 million contract with division rival Chicago that includes $7 million in guaranteed money. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced by the Bears. Taylor backed up All-Pro Adrian Peterson for NFC North champion Minnesota since 2007 and worked as a very capable passing downs back.
Vikings want to keep Taylor
(2/26/2010) The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports the Vikings would like to retain free agent RB Chester Taylor. The Vikings like Taylor as a complementary RB behind Adrian Peterson, but the Vikings are also rumored to be interested in LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook, especially if Taylor leaves. Rick Spielman, the Vikings' vice president of player personnel, declined to discuss whether the Vikings had talked to representatives for either Westbrook or Tomlinson. "I will say that we look at everybody," Spielman said. "We evaluate and then we move on but we're early in this process. We plan on talking to Chester's guy and seeing where he's at and then we'll just go on from there." Asked what he thought the market might be for Taylor, Spielman said: "I know Chester is one of those guys that we would definitely want to try to sign back if we can."
Taylor wraps up regular season
(1/3/2010) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed seven times for just 12 yards in Week 17 against the Giants. He also caught two passes for 17 yards. Taylor finished the season with 94 rushes for 338 yards and one touchdown.
Taylor totals 55 yards on MNF
(12/29/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed eight times for 29 yards and caught two passes for 26 more yards in the Week 16 overtime loss to the Bears on Monday night.
Taylor does little at Carolina
(12/21/2009) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor was held to two carries for 6 yards and had one catch for 7 yards Sunday at Carolina.
Taylor totals 57 yards
(12/13/2009) In the Vikings' Week 14 win vs. the Bengals, RB Chester Taylor had 25 yards on five carries and 32 yards on two catches.
(12/7/2009) In the Vikings' Week 13 loss at the Cardinals, RB Chester Taylor had 21 yards on five carries and 28 yards on four catches.
Taylor active as Peterson's backup
(12/6/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor, limited in practice all week by a rib injury, is active for Week 13 at Arizona.
Taylor a question mark for Sunday
(12/4/2009) Vikings running back Chester Taylor is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Arizona after hurting his ribs last week. He's been limited in practice all week.
Taylor not pushing ribs injury
(12/3/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ribs) went through a limited practice Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 13 at Arizona. Taylor has not missed a game in 2009.
Taylor limited in practice Wednesday
(12/2/2009) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor (ribs) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for its Week 13 game at Arizona. Taylor scored a touchdown for only the second time this season Week 12 against the Bears.
C. Taylor scores a rare touchdown
(11/30/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor scored a touchdown for only the second time this season Week 12 against the Bears, capitalizing on a 10-yard pass in the second quarter. He finished with six catches for 51 yards and four carries for 33.
Peterson should start in Week 12
(11/29/2009) The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle/illness) will start in Week 12 vs. Chicago.
Peterson should start in Week 12
(11/29/2009) The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (ankle/illness) will start in Week 12 vs. Chicago.
Illness sidelines Vikes' Peterson
(11/27/2009) Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who has been limited this week with an ankle injury, was not on the field practicing with his team Friday after head coach Brad Childress said that he was sick. He is listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. Chicago after being limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Chester Taylor would start in Peterson's place if he couldn't work on Sunday.
Taylor totals 85 yards
(11/22/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 11 carries for 73 yards and two grabs for 12 yards in Week 11 vs. the Seahawks.
Taylor does little behind Peterson
(11/15/2009) Vikings backup RB Chester Taylor had seven carries for 16 yards Sunday against Detroit. He also had one catch for 7 yards.
Taylor seeing limited touches
(11/11/2009) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor comes off a bye to face the Lions in Week 10. Taylor has only touched the ball a total of 11 times in his last two games for 48 total yards and no scores. Taylor managed just 28 total yards on seven touches earlier this season in Detroit.
C. Taylor held to 27 yards
(11/1/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor ran five times for 12 yards and caught two passes for 15 yards in a Week 8 win over the Packers.
Taylor totals 21 yards
(10/25/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 14 rush yards on three carries and a 7-yard catch at Pittsburgh in Week 7.
Taylor worth a flex spot Week 7?
(10/23/2009) The Vikings visit Pittsburgh in Week 7, and Vikings RB Chester Taylor might see a little more action than usual if Minnesota takes it easy with Adrian Peterson and his tender ankle. Pittsburgh ranks second against the run.
Taylor gets eight carries
(10/18/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had eight carries for 22 yards Sunday against Baltimore.
Taylor faces former team in Week 6
(10/15/2009) In Week 6, Vikings RB Chester Taylor will face his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, for the first time since coming to Minnesota. Taylor, coming off a decent Week 5 outing, will face a Ravens run defense that ranks fourth in the league.
C. Taylor totals 69 yards, scores
(10/11/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor ran nine times for 20 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 49 yards in a Week 5 rout of the Rams.
Taylor up against weak defense
(10/9/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor will face a non-division opponent in Week 5 at St. Louis. The Rams rank 24th against the run, allowing 135.0 rushing yards per game. They have given up three rushing touchdowns in the first four games.
Taylor gets minimal yardage Week 4
(10/6/2009) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor ran the ball twice for 8 yards and caught three passes for 35 more on Monday night in a win over the Packers in Week 4. Taylor was used late in the passing game but Adrian Peterson got the bulk of the carries.
Taylor leads Vikings in receptions
(10/2/2009) The Vikings host the Packers in Week 4, and RB Chester Taylor will be looking to increase his team-leading 15 receptions. The Packers rank 23rd against the run, 13th against the pass and allowed 117 rushing yards and 46 receiving yards on five catches to RB Steven Jackson in Week 3.
Taylor totals 86 total yards
(9/27/2009) In his team's Week 3 win over the 49ers, Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 16 yards on six rushes with 70 yards receiving on seven catches, both a game-high for the team.
Taylor topped 100 vs. 49ers in '07
(9/26/2009) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor heads into his Week 3 game against the 49ers with just 25 rushing yards on 11 carries and 33 receiving yards on eight catches thus far this season behind Adrian Peterson. Taylor rushed eight times for 101 yards and a touchdown and also caught three passes for 23 yards the last time he faces San Francisco, back in 2007. The game before that, in 2006, he rushed 26 times for 96 yards and caught eight passes for 45 yards.
Taylor has 28 yards vs. Lions
(9/20/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had four carries for eight yards during a Week 2 win against the Lions. His longest carry went for four yards. He did better as a receiver, hauling in three receptions for 20 yards. Unfortunately, Taylor did not find the end zone.
Taylor worth a shot in Week 2?
(9/18/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor will take on the hapless Lions in Week 2 as Minnesota looks to improve to 2-0. The Lions gave up 157 yards rushing and 258 yards passing to the Saints in Week 1.
(9/13/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed seven times for 17 yards in Week 1 at Cleveland. He also caught five passes for 13 yards.
Taylor to face weak run defense
(9/11/2009)Chester Taylor and the Vikings will play a non-division opponent in Week 1 at Cleveland. The Browns finished last season with the fifth worst run defense in the league, allowing 151.9 rushing yards per game and 16 touchdowns.
Taylor makes 28-yard TD grab
(8/31/2009) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor looked quite good on Monday night against the Houston Texans in the Vikings' third preseason tilt. Taylor rushed seven times for 30 yards behind Adrian Peterson and also caught three passes for a team-leading 41 yards and a touchdown. Taylor connected with Brett Favre for his lone touchdown pass in the 2nd quarter from 28 yards out.
Taylor working in Wildcat formation
(6/1/2009) The Vikings reportedly have installed a version of the Wildcat formation into their offense. Veteran rusher Chester Taylor took snaps in the formation, lining up with rookie Percy Harvin and wideout Darius Reynaud.
Taylor gets more touches than usual
(1/4/2009) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had made more of an impact than usual Sunday in a playoff game against the Eagles, carrying the ball 12 times for 48 yards and catching five passes for 36. The 12 carries represented a season high.
C. Taylor hauls in five passes
(12/21/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor ran the ball only once for three yards Week 16 against the Falcons. He did, however, catch five passes for 26 yards.
Taylor gains 103 total yards
(12/14/2008) Vikings RB Adrian Peterson rushed 28 times for 165 yards in Week 15 at Arizona. It was his third straight game with 100-plus yards and the fifth time in his last seven games. Chester Taylor caught four passes for 37 yards, including a touchdown. He also lost a fumble.
Taylor gets into end zone Week 14
(12/7/2008) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor rushed six times for 27 yards and got into the end zone in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions. Taylor also caught two passes for 26 yards.
Taylor scores touchdown
(12/1/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 10 carries for 46 yards and a touchdown and four catches for 19 yards Sunday against Chicago.
C. Taylor finds the end zone
(11/23/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor carried nine times for 25 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 12 yards in a Week 12 win over the Jaguars.
Taylor struggles in Week 11 loss
(11/16/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor managed only 11 yards on five rushes and 15 yards on two receptions in a loss to the Buccaneers in Week 11. He also lost a fumble late in the game.
Taylor scores touchdown
(11/9/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 10 carries for 29 yards and four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown Sunday against Green Bay. Taylor led the Vikings in receiving.
Taylor totals 63 yards in Week 9
(11/2/2008) Vikings backup RB Chester Taylor rushed seven times for 38 yards in Week 9 against Houston. He also caught three passes for 25 yards.
C. Taylor totals 82 yards, TD
(10/19/2008) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor scored his first rushing touchdown of the season on Sunday of Week 7 against the Bears. Taylor punched the ball in from 1-yard out in the 2nd quarter. Taylor finished with 10 carries for 34 yards and added six catches for another 48.
Taylor gets eight touches
(10/12/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed five times for 21 yards in Week 6 vs. Detroit. His longest run went for 13 yards. He also caught three passes for 33 yards.
RB Taylor throws first career TD
(10/7/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to TE Visanthe Shiancoe in the second quarter of Week 5's 30-27 win against the Saints. It was just the second pass of Taylor's career and first completion. He didn't do much on the ground against New Orleans with just three carries for eight yards. He also had two receptions for 14 yards.
Zero yards for Chester Taylor
(9/28/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor, who was questionable to play at Tennessee in Week 4 with a foot injury, had one carry for zero yards in the game. He didn't post any other stats.
Taylor active in Week 4
(9/28/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (foot) was activated for Week 4 at Tennessee. He had been listed as questionable on the injury report.
Taylor 50-50 for Sunday
(9/26/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (foot) is listed as questionable for Week 4 at Tennessee. Taylor took limited practice reps all week, and starting RB Adrian Peterson is also questionable with a hamstring injury.
RB Taylor a little hobbled
(9/24/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (foot) went through limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 4 at Tennessee. Taylor was injured Week 3 against Carolina, but had 11 carries for 44 yards and three catches for 22 yards against the Panthers.
Taylor gets 66 total yards
(9/21/2008) With Adrian Peterson dealing with a hamstring problem, Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 11 carries for 44 yards and three catches for 22 yards against the Panthers. Peterson still started and had 17 carries for 77 yards, but Taylor was more involved in the offense this week.
Adrian Peterson will play vs. Carolina
(9/21/2008) ESPN reports that Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (hamstring) will play vs. Carolina in Week 3.
Taylor still an option
(9/19/2008) Vikings RB Adrian Peterson returned to practice Friday, but he was limited in his work and remained questionable for Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury. Coach Brad Childress said he would wait until shortly before the game against Carolina to decide whether Peterson, who leads the NFL with 263 yards rushing, will participate. He'll be treating the muscle extensively over the next two days. If Peterson can't go, Chester Taylor - a 1,200-yard rusher in 2006 - will take his place in the backfield. Either way, Taylor could assume a larger role against the Panthers. He has been returning kickoffs, too, and is sixth in the league with a 28.5-yard average. Peterson, who missed 2.5 games due to a sprained knee in 2007, said he plans to play but must convince the trainers and coaches he's not risking aggravation - and developing a problem that lingers for weeks - by not being at full strength.
Taylor could start
(9/18/2008) Minnesota's sputtering offense could be without its biggest star against Carolina on Sunday. RB Adrian Peterson, the NFL's leading rusher and the 2007 offensive rookie of the year, missed practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury. Peterson said he is hopeful he can play against the Panthers, but he took a step back one day after participating in practice on a limited basis. "It's a concern," coach Brad Childress said. "Your legs are your legs. We'll just see how he comes out by the time we get to Sunday." Before practice began, Peterson told reporters that he injured the hamstring late in last weekend's 18-15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Peterson rushed for 160 yards in the game and has 263 yards on the season, 1 yard ahead of Atlanta's Michael Turner for the league lead. If he cannot play on Sunday, backup Chester Taylor will get the bulk of the carries. Taylor was the starting running back in Minnesota in 2006, when he rushed for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns. Taylor was demoted to backup early in Peterson's rookie year last season, but filled in brilliantly when he went down with a knee injury at Green Bay.
Taylor does little
(9/14/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had four carries for 18 yards and one catch for minus-2 yards Sunday against the Colts.
(9/8/2008) Vikings RB Chester Taylor watched Week 1 as Adrian Peterson scored a touchdown and rushed for 103 yards. He didn't nearly get as close with just five carries for 19 yards. Taylor also had three catches for 21 yards, including a long of 14 yards.
Taylor skips workout
(5/20/2008) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings RB Chester Taylor, who often works out on his own during the offseason, was absent from Minnesota's workout Monday. The Vikings' OTAs will continue through Thursday and then resume next week.
Childress: Taylor to stay with Vikes
(2/11/2008) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings coach Brad Childress has no plans to cut or trade RB Chester Taylor this offseason. Childress said he has plans to use both Taylor and Rookie of the Year rusher Adrian Peterson at times, but ultimately wants to keep Minnesota's 1-2 running punch. "I don't know what the downside of it is," he said. "You've got two different styles of runners with their own inimitable styles. (It's a) high-impact position; the guy is going to take a lot of shots. So when a guy needs a breath, you don't want to lose anything on the next play. ... I think it's a win-win situation."
C. Taylor's numbers better in '07
(1/23/2008) Splitting playing time with rookie Adrian Peterson for 14 games in 2007, Vikings RB Chester Taylor averaged more than a yard per carry and scored one more touchdown on the ground with about the same receiving yardage total in about half the work he did in 2006. He finished with 157 carries for 844 yards (5.4 avg.) with seven touchdowns and 281 receiving yards on 29 catches. In 2006, he had six touchdowns on 303 carries with an average of 4.0 yards per carry with 288 receiving yards on 42 grabs.
C. Taylor totals 92 yards
(12/30/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor ran for 83 yards on only 10 carries and caught three passes for nine yards as Minnesota ended their season with a 22-19 loss to the Broncos on Sunday afternoon.
Taylor better receiving than rushing
(12/24/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had a reversal of fortunes Week 16 against the Redskins. Taylor struggled to get going on the ground and managed just 14 yards on six carries. However, he eneded up as the team's second leading receiver with five catches for 42 yards.
C. Taylor losing carries
(12/21/2007) It appears Vikings RB Chester Taylor has officially returned to his role as Adrian Peterson's backup. Last week against Chicago, Taylor only had five carries for 31 yards and now has just 13 carries in the past two games. He could still get touches this week against Washington if the game gets out of hand or break a long run like he did at San Francisco two weeks ago, but the limited number of carries is a concern.
C. Taylor handles only five carries
(12/17/2007) Though a starter for a brief period in time, Vikings RB Chester Taylor reaffirmed his status as Adrian Peterson's backup Week 15 against the Bears. He carried the ball only five times for 31 yards. He also caught a seven-yard pass.
C. Taylor on hot streak
(12/13/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor has 412-rushing yards (103 per game) and six TDs in his past four outings. He had an 84-yard TD run last week at San Francisco, the longest run in the NFL this year. Taylor continues to split carries with Adrian Peterson, and the last time Taylor faced the Bears, he ran for 83 yards on 22 carries.
Taylor runs into Vikes record books
(12/9/2007)Chester Taylor had an 84-yard scoring run in the Vikings' fourth straight victory, a 27-7 win against hapless San Francisco Week 14. Minnesota's only dynamic offensive play was Taylor's TD run, the third-longest in franchise history and the bulk of his 101 yards rushing. It was his seventh rushing touchdown this season and sixth in his last four games. He has a touchdown in four straight games.
Taylor's next victim: San Fran
(12/5/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor should still help carry the workload for the Vikings in Week 14 at San Francisco after splitting with Adrian Peterson a week ago. The Vikings boast the best rushing offense in the league with 176.8 yards per game and an NFL-best 17 touchdowns. They'll oppose a San Francisco run defense which is among the league's worst, giving up 124.0 yards per game.
C. Taylor still gets it done
(12/2/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 14 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown Sunday against Detroit. He also added two catches for 17 yards and threw an incomplete pass.
Taylor not left out of mix
(11/28/2007) Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 13 vs. Detroit. Head coach Brad Childress said that before he was injured against Green Bay three weeks ago, Peterson was "taking the lion's share of the reps (in practice). But again, I want to keep an eyeball on him and make sure Chester Taylor is involved as well, so they will split a bunch of those."
Taylor's starting days over?
(11/26/2007) Vikings rookie RB Adrian Peterson is on track to return to the field this week, just in time for a pivotal NFC North game against Detroit. Peterson tore the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee three weeks ago against Green Bay. He missed the last two victories over Oakland and the Giants, but the star rookie had an MRI exam Monday that "shows excellent healing," coach Brad Childress said. As long as everything goes as planned this week in practice, Childress said he would ease Peterson back against the Lions, splitting carries with veteran Chester Taylor. Taylor rushed 31 times for 77 yards in Week 12 at the N.Y. Giants, including a 6-yard touchdown. He also caught two passes for 12 yards and has four TDs in two games playing full time in place of Peterson.
Taylor gets in the end zone
(11/25/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed 31 times for 77 yards in Week 12 at the N.Y. Giants, including a 6-yard touchdown. He also caught two passes for 12 yards.
(11/21/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor filled in for Adrian Peterson (knee) last week and had 164 yards rushing and three touchdowns and three catches for 38 yards against Oakland. The Giants run defense (No. 7 with six touchdowns allowed) is much better than the Raiders, but New York is now without LB/DL Mathias Kiwanuka (broken leg). Peterson returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis, but his status for Week 12 is unknown, although he is unlikely to play.
C. Taylor to get another start
(11/19/2007) The Minnesota Vikings will probably be without star RB Adrian Peterson for at least another week. Peterson was sent to work out in a swimming pool Monday for continued rehab on his injured right knee. Coach Brad Childress said he didn't expect Peterson to be ready for the next game against the New York Giants. "It's hard to say right now. He hasn't been on hard land yet," Childress said. Chester Taylor resumed his role as the featured back and rushed for 164 yards on Sunday in a victory over Oakland with Peterson watching from the sideline. Peterson, who still leads the league by a wide margin with 1,081 yards rushing, was hurt in the third quarter of the Nov. 11 game against Green Bay on a tackle by Packers cornerback Al Harris that caused his lateral collateral ligament to tear. The LCL is the least critical of the four knee ligaments.
AD who? Taylor runs over Raiders
(11/18/2007) Playing in place of rookie Adrian Peterson (knee), Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 22 carries for 164 yards and three touchdowns. He added 38 receiving yards with a fumble. Taylor scored on his first carry following a trick play by the Vikings and added two more scores (38 yards, 6 yards) to pace the Vikings. "I ain't the one to start no controversy," Taylor said of a possible split of playing time with Peterson. "I knew I could do what I did in the game. I'm going to play hard no matter what, and if I get the opportunity I'm going to take advantage of it."
Vikings confident in RB Taylor
(11/14/2007) With Adrian Peterson (knee) ruled out for Week 11 vs. Oakland, the Vikings will be turning to veteran running back Chester Taylor, who Peterson supplanted as the starter. While Taylor isn't the dynamic presence Peterson is, he's more than capable, topping 1,200 yards in his first season as a starter last year and averaging 5.0 yards a carry this season. Taylor ran for 37 yards on just three carries last week. "He obviously has a track record," coach Brad Childress said of the 5-foot-11, 213-pound Taylor. "He's a good player as well, so just like I mention to you every week, we just expect somebody to pick up from there."
C. Taylor to start Week 11
(11/12/2007) Vikings coach Brad Childress said Monday that rookie RB Adrian Peterson has tear in his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee. Childress said the knee is stable otherwise and that the ACL, MCL and PCL are OK. Childress did not give a timetable on how long Peterson would be out, but Peterson will not play in Week 11 against Oakland. "What they do is they identify it both clinically and with an MRI and they go ahead and grade it with a three being the worst and one being the least," Childress said. "He's got a two-plus tear in that ligament." Peterson was hurt in the third quarter of the Vikings' 34-0 loss Sunday at Green Bay after catching a screen pass. Peterson took off up the middle for an 11-yard gain but was brought down when DB Al Harris dived at the rookie’s knees to make the tackle.
C. Taylor gains 96 yards on five touches
(11/11/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor, filling in for the injured Adrian Peterson, had three carries for 37 yards and two catches for 57 yards in Minnesota's 34-0 loss to the Packers in Week 10.
Taylor watching Peterson 'all day'
(11/9/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor's carries and catches will continue to decline heavily as rookie Adrian Peterson has taken over as the Vikings primary ball carrier. Taylor has had single-digit carries in each of the last two weeks and has not been involved much in the passing game.
Taylor totals 83 yards in win
(11/5/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor, backing up Adrian Peterson, had 60 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards on two catches in Minnesota's 35-17 win over the Chargers in Week 9.
Chester Taylor backup again Week 9
(11/2/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor finally found himself on the bench in Week 8 as Adrian Peterson's emergence was too much for coach Brad Childress to ignore.
(10/28/2007) Vikings backup RB Chester Taylor was benched for the first time this season to start the game and finished with 19 rush yards on six carries and an 18-yard reception vs. Philadelphia in Week 8.
C. Taylor goes through full practice
(10/26/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (strained groin) participated in Friday's practice and was listed as probable. He is expected to play Week 8 against the Eagles.
Taylor lands on practice report
(10/24/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (groin) went through limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 8 vs. Philadelphia. Taylor has 188 rushing yards and zero touchdowns in four games.
C. Taylor has 66 total yards
(10/21/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 10 carries for 47 yards Sunday against Dallas. He also added three catches for 19 yards.
Taylor still starting in Minn
(10/19/2007) Despite the emergence of rookie Adrian Peterson, Vikings RB Chester Taylor remains the starter for Brad Childress as Minnesota head to Dallas in Week 7. The Vikings lead the league in rushing offense so far in 2007.
Chester Taylor gains 83 yards
(10/14/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed 22 times for 83 yards in Week 6 at Chicago.
Taylor unlikely to repeat last game vs. Chi
(10/9/2007) In Week 13 last season, Vikings RB Chester Taylor rumbled 17 times for 99 yards in a 23-13 loss to the Bears.
Bucs, Vikings talking trade for RB?
(10/2/2007) Earlier Tuesday, the Tampa Tribune reported that there were early talks between the Vikings and Buccaneers that would send RB Chester Taylor and OT Bryant McKinnie to Tampa Bay in exchange for either a player or two and/or a package of draft picks. But the St. Paul Pioneer Press says that the Bucs are after Mewelde Moore but won't pay the Vikings' asking price of a first-day pick. Moore is scheduled to be a free agent after the season and is expected to test the marketplace. Even earlier Tuesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Vikings coach Brad Childress is planning on splitting the reps between Taylor and rookie Adrian Peterson, but with the Bucs hobbling at running back and left tackle, and in first place in the NFC South, those plans might change.
Vikings: We'll rotate our RBs
(10/2/2007) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Tuesday that Vikings coach Brad Childress said that despite rookie Adrian Peterson's hot start, the team will use both Peterson and Chester Taylor as part of a regular rotation in the Minnesota backfield. Childress said his vision is to have two running backs share and stay healthy and not rely on one unless he has to. "You're not going to use somebody all the way throughout," Childress said. "And that's the great thing about having two guys that you feel equally good about and equally explosive about. ... You do have that change-up and it benefits both people, and it benefits our football team." Childress added that he's not keen on increasing Peterson's playing time and wants to continue using him as a kickoff returner. He also said that he'd consider using both in the backfield more often.
Taylor starts, totals 51 yards
(9/30/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor started and had eight carries for 40 yards with one catch for 11 yards vs. Green Bay in Week 4. Teammate Adrian Peterson had 12 carries for 112 yards.
Taylor back in Vikings lineup
(9/30/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (hip) is back after missing two games with a hip bruise. The Vikings plan on using him and Adrian Peterson in Week 4 vs. Green Bay.
Vikings tab Taylor to start
(9/28/2007) The Vikings will get a boost Week 4 against the Packers with the return of running back Chester Taylor, who injured his hip in the first quarter of the season opener against Atlanta and hasn't played since. Taylor rushed for over 1,200 yards last season and will start against the Packers to help reduce some of the work load on rookie star Adrian Peterson. "This is the longest I've ever been out since I've been playing," Taylor said. "It killed me to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone play without me being up in there. So I'm going to try and do whatever I can to help my team this week."
RB Taylor once again limited
(9/27/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (hip) went through limited practice reps for the second straight day Thursday as the team prepares for Week 4 vs. Green Bay. Taylor has missed each of the last two games for Minnesota. "I'd like to think Chester can get back this week," Childress said earlier this week. "He did some things pregame. I just didn't feel like he was quite there and that he could be viable. Again, it's that numbers thing. It's hard to have everybody up all at once."
RB C. Taylor limited in practice
(9/26/2007) Running back Chester Taylor appears more likely to return this week from a bruised hip. He was limited in practice Wednesday and has missed each of the last two games for Minnesota. "I'd like to think Chester can get back this week," Childress said earlier this week. "He did some things pregame. I just didn't feel like he was quite there and that he could be viable. Again, it's that numbers thing. It's hard to have everybody up all at once."
Chester Taylor could return Week 4
(9/25/2007) According to the Pioneer Press, Vikings coach Brad Childress said Chester Taylor could return from a bruised oblique muscle. "I'd like to think Chester can get back this week," Childress said. "He did some things pregame. I just didn't feel like he was quite there and that he could be viable. Again, it's that numbers thing. It's hard to have everybody up all at once. We'll see obviously on Wednesday when I see him take the field."
Three Vikings' starters inactive
(9/23/2007) The Vikings will take on the Chiefs in Week 3 without three regular starters on offense. QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), RB Chester Taylor (hip) and WR Troy Williamson (hamstring) are all inactive for the showdown with Kansas City. WR Robert Ferguson will start for Williamson, while RB Adrian Peterson will start for Taylor and Kelly Holcomb will start for Jackson.
Taylor's status still in jeopardy
(9/21/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (hip) is listed as questionable for Week 3 at Kansas City. Taylor has gone through limited practice reps all week.
Taylor still not at full reps
(9/20/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (hip) went through a second straight day of limited practice reps Thursday as the team prepares for Week 3 at Kansas City.
Taylor takes limited practice reps
(9/19/2007) The Minnesota Vikings' last line of defense is suddenly looking a little shaky. Starting safeties Darren Sharper (hip) and Dwight Smith (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday, the first day of preparation for Week 3's game at Kansas City. Running back Chester Taylor (hip/oblique), fullback Tony Richardson (forearm) and receiver Troy Williamson (hamstring) were limited in practice on Wednesday. Coach Brad Childress said Sharper and Smith were doing some rehab work in the pool and Taylor was "progressing."
C. Taylor inactive at Detroit
(9/16/2007) As reported, the Vikings have declared No. 1 RB Chester Taylor inactive for Week 2's game at Detroit, meaning Adrian Peterson will carry the load. Taylor had only limited practice this week because of a bruised hip suffered Week 1 against the Falcons.
Report: Taylor not expected to play
(9/16/2007) The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that Vikings running back Chester Taylor is not expected to play in Week 2 at Detroit, according to a source close to the situation.
RB Taylor unsure if he will play
(9/14/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor was listed Friday as questionable for Sunday's game at Detroit, due to a bruised hip that limited his participation in practice all week. Taylor was hurt in the first quarter of the season opener against Atlanta, and rookie Adrian Peterson took over. Coach Brad Childress said the decision on Taylor's status would not be made until shortly before kickoff against the Lions after coaches and trainers watch him warming up on the field before the game. "Just kind of incremental progress. Sometimes those things get better as they go. He's done everything he can to put himself in position, so we'll see. We'll leave it up to him," Childress said.
Taylor's availability in question
(9/13/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor's availability for Week 2 at Detroit is in question. Taylor was limited in practice for the second straight day Thursday as he deals with injuries to his hip and oblique. Taylor badly wants to play against the Lions in his hometown of Detroit. But head coach Brad Childress wants to make sure his starting back is fully healthy and can withstand the pounding he would surely take against one of the league's more aggressive defensive fronts. "It's really important that between the doctors and Chester and myself, that he is honest and accurate," Childress said. "Because I've seen it before where guys say, 'Coach I want to play, I want to play.' And then they're out in a play. And then you're furious because they hurt their team."
Taylor unsure about Week 2
(9/12/2007) Chester Taylor has always dreamed of the day he would return to his hometown of Detroit as a starting running back in the NFL. For the second straight year, that triumphant return is in danger of being derailed. Taylor did some rehab work in the pool on Wednesday and was limited in practice due to a hip injury he got in the first quarter of Minnesota's opener against Atlanta. "I'm just taking it day by day, come out here and do a little something," Taylor said. The nature of his injury seems to change by the day as well. After the game on Sunday, Taylor was listed with a bruised hip. But on Monday it changed to a strained oblique and by Wednesday it was back to a hip injury. The Detroit native ran for 123 yards on 26 carries and added 31 yards on five grabs in a Week 5 meeting last season.
Taylor has success vs. Detroit
(9/12/2007) Chester Taylor (hip) may not be 100 percent come game time against the Lions in Detroit this week, but we're pretty sure he wishes he was. The Detroit native ran for 123 yards on 26 carries and added 31 yards on five grabs in a Week 5 meeting last season. Taylor missed the second game between these teams, but then-teammate Artose Pinner rocked the Vikings for 125 yards and three touchdowns.
(9/11/2007) Running back Chester Taylor hurt his oblique, a muscle near the lower part of the rib cage, but coach Brad Childress sounded as though he expected him to play Sunday at Detroit. "He's a pretty tough guy," Childress said. "There's nothing structurally wrong. It's just extremely uncomfortable right now."
Childress expects C. Taylor to play
(9/10/2007) Minnesota RB Chester Taylor was receiving treatment Monday for a painful injury on his side that sidelined him in the first quarter of the season opener Sunday. Taylor's condition was called a bruised hip after the 24-3 victory over Atlanta, but coach Brad Childress said Monday that the injury was to Taylor's oblique, a muscle near the lower part of the rib cage. Taylor's status will be in question this week, though Childress sounded as though he expected him to play Sunday at Detroit. Taylor was at the team's practice facility at 8 a.m. Monday for treatment with the goal of being ready for Wednesday's practice. "He's a pretty tough guy," Childress said, adding: "There's nothing structurally wrong. It's just extremely uncomfortable right now."
Injury sidelines C. Taylor
(9/9/2007) Vikings starting RB Chester Taylor injured his hip on a screen pass in the first quarter of Week 1's 24-3 victory against the Falcons and didn't return. Coach Brad Childress called it a hip contusion after the game. On first-and-15, Taylor slipped out of the backfield as Tarvaris Jackson lofted a pass in his direction. But as Taylor reached up, he immediately pulled his arm down and crumpled to the turf as the pass fell incomplete. Taylor lay on the turf for several moments before walking off. He rushed three times for 18 yards and caught a pass for three yards before leaving.
Chester Taylor leaves game
(9/9/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor left Sunday's game against Atlanta in the first quarter with a hip injury. The Vikings list his return as questionable.
Peterson, Taylor to face Falcons
(9/6/2007) Although it's not known yet who will start for the Vikings in Week 1 vs. Atlanta, the expectation is that both veteran Chester Taylor and rookie RB Adrian Peterson will play and see a decent amount of carries. That's because the Vikings offense doesn't boast much in the way of a passing attack and needs to have a strong run game to propel them to victory.
Taylor works little in preseason
(8/31/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed 13 times for 73 yards in the preseason. He also caught two passes for 19 yards. He did not score a touchdown.
Taylor finds lanes Saturday
(8/26/2007) Chester Taylor ran for 61 yards on eight carries as Minnesota's first-team offense scored 10 points and gained 220 yards in the first half plus one drive of the third quarter during Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks. Rookie Adrian Peterson ran 10 times for 41 yards.
Chester Taylor still named starter
(8/19/2007) Vikings coach Brad Childress said Sunday that rookie RB Adrian Peterson is still behind veteran Chester Taylor on the team's depth chart despite his impressive outing at the Jets (70 rush yards with a short-yardage touchdown). Childress says he's seen nothing to change the current plan of having Taylor start. "Chester being the starter and Adrian being the change-up, and as I mentioned it's all about coming out of this camp with a good idea of who we are as a football team and who we are as an offense and then individually," Childress said, "not asking guys to do something that we do not feel like they are very good at. That's whether it's within the offensive line or at wide receiver or running back, etcetera."
Taylor gets into game Friday
(8/11/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (forearm) was able to play during Friday's preseason game against the Rams. He had just one carry and was dropped for a four-yard loss.
C. Taylor back at practice
(8/7/2007) According to the Star Tribune, Vikings RB Chester Taylor returned to practice Monday after sitting out much of last week because of a bruised forearm.
Vikes' Peterson leaves practice
(8/2/2007) Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson left Thursday's practice with an injury after taking an elbow to his hip while catching a pass in a drill, but he said it wasn't serious. His status is day to day, but he's unlikely to participate in weekend scrimmages against the Chiefs. Backfield mate Chester Taylor is also not expected to suit up against the Chiefs. He has been bothered this week by a bruised forearm. "It's not a big deal at all," said Peterson, who called the injury a minor hip pointer.
C. Taylor has shoulder contusion
(7/31/2007) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings RB Chester Taylor was carted off the practice field Tuesday with a right shoulder contusion, according to coach Brad Childress. Taylor was later spotted on an exercise bike wearing padding with no hard cast. He did not comment on the status of his arm.
Taylor not worried about Peterson
(5/23/2007) Vikings RB Chester Taylor expressed no concern about the fact the team used the seventh overall selection on fellow running back Adrian Peterson. "They said they were going to give me some help," Taylor said Tuesday in the Star Tribune. "All they did was add depth to our running back crew; if I go down I'm confident that these guys will be able to take over and do the job." Taylor, signed as a free agent in March 2006 to become the Vikings' top RB, established a franchise record for rushing attempts in a season with 303. His 345 touches were the third-highest total in Vikings history. But Taylor did experience fatigue late in the season and also missed a game because of bruised ribs. Peterson's presence should help Taylor remain fresh.
C. Taylor to work with 'AP'
(4/28/2007) With the seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Vikings took Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. The top RB taken this year, Peterson averaged over 5.0 yards per carry over his career at OU, displaying blazing speed with a running style that is smack dab in the middle between sleek and powerful. Peterson is expected to share playing time with last year's starter, Chester Taylor. "I think they'll end up establishing that themselves as they go," coach Brad Childress said. "I don't have a crystal ball. Obviously, you don't draft a guy like that to sit him. I'm sure Chester will be pleased that we'll be able to take a little bit of the load off him."
Childress: RB Taylor will lose reps
(3/29/2007) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings coach Brad Childress is planning to run RB Chester Taylor a little less in 2007. Last year, Taylor had 345 total touches. "It's no secret that as we went into December, for whatever reason, Chester got nicked a little bit," Childress said. "He was not as effective as he was in the first month of the season. We'd like to be able to identify another one or two guys [to help]." Childress mentioned backups Ciatrick Fason and Mewelde Moore as guys who can help Taylor carry the load, as well as little-used fullback Naufahu Tahi. "What you're trying to do is always change up on the defense," Childress said. "Chester is a 213-pound guy. [Tahi] is 254 pounds and can run it hard inside. He's pretty well-preserved."
Taylor makes most of starting
(2/5/2007) Chester Taylor became a starting running back in 2007 and made the most of his opportunity, posting career-highs in attempts (303), rush yards (1,216), rushing TDs (six) and receptions (42). He also had 288 receiving yards and was on his way to post even better numbers than these but bruised his ribs in a Week 13 loss at Chicago and never recovered.
C. Taylor scores a TD
(12/31/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 13 carries for 29 yards and one touchdown in a Week 17 loss to the Rams. He also had one catch for four yards.
Taylor probable for Week 17
(12/27/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ribs) is listed as probable for Week 17 vs. St. Louis. He practiced on Wednesday and should be ready to roll.
Chester Taylor posts 67 yards
(12/21/2006) Taylor carried 15 times for 49 yards in Week 16 at Green Bay and he added a team-high three receptions for 18 yards.
Taylor probable for Week 16
(12/20/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ribs) is listed as probable for Week 16 at Green Bay. He should be ready to roll on Thursday.
C. Taylor has 38 yards
(12/17/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor returned after missing Week 14 with a rib injury and has 11 carries for 38 yards against the Jets.
C. Taylor upgraded to probable
(12/15/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor was upgraded to probable on Friday and is expected to play vs. the Jets in Week 15. He did not practice all week.
C. Taylor wears protection
(12/14/2006) According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ribs) returned to practice Wednesday and said "the plan is to play" Sunday against the New York Jets. Taylor said he planned to wear protection over the affected area during practice so he could learn how to compensate for the additional padding. "I'm going to work out on it and see how it goes," said Taylor, who is listed as questionable on the injury report. "I'll use every precaution necessary and then just go out and play." Coach Brad Childress said he would watch Taylor carefully to ensure he is prepared for the rigors of a full game.
Chester Taylor plans on playing
(12/13/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ribs) plans on playing in Week 15, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. On Wednesday, Taylor said he was planning on trying out several different protective jackets that would cover his ribs and keep him from aggravating his injury. "I'm going to go out there day-by-day right now," Taylor said. "The plan is to play Sunday and that's my goal right now. I'll just have to see how it plays out this week." Artose Pinner is expected to play for Taylor if he can't go. Taylor is questionable for the game and did not practice on Wednesday.
Vikings to wait and see on Taylor
(12/11/2006) Vikings coach Brad Childress said Monday that the team will check out RB Chester Taylor (ribs) and see how much pain he can tolerate on Wednesday in practice before determining what his status will be for Week 15 vs. the Jets. Taylor said after the Vikings Week 14 win that he expected to play next week. Artose Pinner is expected to play for Taylor if he can't go.
(12/10/2006) The Vikings made RB Chester Taylor (ribs) inactive for Week 14 at Detroit, making Ciatrick Fason the starting running back for Minnesota. Mewelde Moore is expected to see lots of playing time as well.
C. Taylor remains doubtful
(12/8/2006) Vikings running back Chester Taylor's bruised ribs left him doubtful on the injury report Friday and unlikely to play against Detroit. Taylor went through part of practice, but coach Brad Childress said he would need "a sprint to get to this game." Taylor, who is fifth in the league with 1,098 yards rushing, was hurt in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears on what he called a late hit. Taylor grew up in Detroit, so this week's game is especially important to him with dozens of family members and friends planning to watch at Ford Field. Input from Taylor will factor into the decision. "He knows what the battle's like," Childress said.
C. Taylor doubtful for Lions game
(12/6/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ribs) has been listed as doubtful for Week 14 at Detroit. The Vikings used Ciatrick Fason and Mewelde Moore in his place last week when Taylor left the game at Chicago with hurt ribs. A CT scan on Taylor showed no breaks on Monday.
C. Taylor likely questionable
(12/6/2006) Numerous sources, including the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, report that Vikings RB Chester Taylor had a CT scan of his ribs on Monday. Nothing was broken, but he is sore. If he does play at Detroit in Week 14, he's expected to wear protective padding on his ribs and have his touches monitored. If he doesn't play, Ciatrick Fason and Mewelde Moore would split his carries.
C. Taylor's status unknown
(12/4/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor's status is uncertain after bruised ribs forced him from Sunday's loss to Chicago. Taylor suffered the injury in the second quarter and left the game for good late in the third. Coach Brad Childress told the Star Tribune "nothing's broken," but Taylor gave way to Ciatrick Fason and Mewelde Moore in the fourth quarter. "I tried to fight through it," Taylor said, "but it was too much to bear." If the injury is deemed serious, Fason and Moore likely would handle the rushing responsibilities in Week 14 at Detroit. Fason, who has been inactive for eight of the Vikings' 12 games this season, rushed for a career-high 75 yards but also was tackled in the end zone for a safety in the fourth quarter.
C. Taylor has rib injury
(12/3/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 17 carries for 99 yards before bruising his ribs in the third quarter against Chicago and eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. He returned to the game, but did not carry the ball again. He also added one catch for 2 yards.
C. Taylor upgraded to probable
(12/1/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (wrist) was upgraded to probable for Week 13 at Chicago, though he did not practice on Friday.
Taylor sits out practice
(11/29/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (wrist) is listed as questionable for Week 13 at Chicago. He did not practice on Wednesday.
C. Taylor sets team mark
(11/27/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed for 66 yards in the first quarter against Arizona, a team record for rushing yards in the opening 15 minutes of a game. Ted Brown's 60 yards on the ground on Oct. 23, 1983 against Green Bay had been the record. Taylor finished the game with 27 carries for 136 yards and a score. He also caught three passes for 35 yards.
C. Taylor gets in the end zone
(11/26/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed 27 times for 136 yards and a score in Week 12 vs. Arizona. He also caught three passes for 35 yards, but lost a fumble.
C. Taylor gets in the end zone
(11/26/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed 27 times for 136 yards and a score in Week 12 vs. Arizona. He also caught three passes for 35 yards, but lost a fumble.
C. Taylor deals with fumblitis
(11/24/2006) In four seasons in Baltimore from 2002-05, Vikings RB Chester Taylor fumbled four times. That total spanned 373 carries and 105 receptions, meaning he fumbled once every 120 times he touched the ball. Considering that background, neither Taylor nor the Vikings are concerned that he has fumbled three times in the past two weeks. Taylor said he has moved past the disappointment of that game, and the Vikings say they are not concerned that a career-high workload has impacted Taylor's ball security. "I just have to protect the ball in traffic," Taylor said. "That's basically it. It's behind me now." Taylor has carried 221 times and caught 34 passes in 10 games, a combined 255 touches that long ago passed his previous career high of 190 touches in 2004. The Vikings rested him in practice two weeks ago, but coach Brad Childress said he does not believe Taylor is wearing down. "I haven't seen that," Childress said. "I just think he's played hard and he's been very good most of the time handling the football."
C. Taylor listed as probable
(11/22/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (neck) is listed as probable for Week 12 vs. Arizona.
Chester Taylor scores twice
(11/19/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 28 carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns against Miami. He also lost two fumbles.
C. Taylor moved to probable
(11/17/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (calf) has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Week 11 at Miami.
Taylor nursing sore calf
(11/15/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (calf) is listed as questionable for Week 11 at Miami.
Vikes need Taylor to step up
(11/15/2006) Vikings running back Chester Taylor needs to play better. He has not rushed for 100 yards or scored a touchdown in the last three games, totaling 193 yards on 56 carries in that stretch. He faces a Miami defense that is ranked 12th against the run but has allowed just three rush TDs the whole season.
C. Taylor totals 95 yards
(11/12/2006) Vikins RB Chester Taylor rushed 20 times for 75 yards in Week 10 vs. Green Bay. He also caught two passes for 20 yards.
Vikes' Taylor (calf) upgraded
(11/10/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (calf) has been upgraded to probable for Week 10 vs. Green Bay. However, he did not practice on Friday. "I feel like, so I can be able to play on Sunday, they want to rest me during the week," Taylor said earlier in the week. "I don't have a problem with it. I just have to stay mentally focused."
C. Taylor held out of practice
(11/8/2006) The Vikings are starting to take precautions with workhorse RB Chester Taylor. Taylor rested for much of Wednesday's practice due to "overall body soreness," coach Brad Childress said. The NFL's fourth-leading rusher said he will play Sunday against Green Bay. "I feel like, so I can be able to play on Sunday, they want to rest me during the week," Taylor said. "I don't have a problem with it. I just have to stay mentally focused." Taylor (calf) is listed as questionable for Week 10 vs. Green Bay.
C. Taylor rushes for 96 yards
(11/5/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed for 96 yards on 26 carries in a 9-3 loss to the 49ers in Week 9. Taylor also had eight receptions for 45 yards.
RB Taylor suffers possible concussion
(11/1/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor, who was held to 22 yards on 10 carries, suffered a possible concussion and a right shoulder stinger in Monday's game against the Patriots. Taylor is not listed on the team's injury report this week and is expected to play against the 49ers in Week 9.
Taylor struggles vs. Patriots
(10/31/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 10 carries for 22 yards against New England. He also had three catches for 27 yards.
C. Taylor has monster game
(10/22/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 26 carries for 169 yards and a touchdown against Seattle. He also had four catches for 19 yards.
C. Taylor has tough matchup
(10/20/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor rushed for 123 yards on 26 carries against Detroit in Week 5 before their bye week. Seattle's rushing defense, however, has been very effective this season and ranks sixth in the NFL.
(10/10/2006) Minnesota running back Chester Taylor has 111 carries through five games, putting him on pace for 355 rushing attempts this season. That would break the franchise record of 295 set by Robert Smith in 2000. He also has 17 receptions, which puts him on pace for 54 catches on the year.
C. Taylor has 154 total yards
(10/8/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 26 carries for 123 yards and five catches for 31 yards against Detroit.
C. Taylor hopes to improve
(10/5/2006) With Vikings RB Chester Taylor signed to be the featured back and the addition of guard Steve Hutchinson to an already solid offensive line, the Vikings were expected to have a strong rushing game - but that hasn't been the case. Minnesota had only 63 yards on 16 carries against the Bills in Week 4 and is averaging 3.6 yards per carry. "The thing that takes everybody being on the same page is running the ball," Hutchinson said. "From the tight end to the offensive line to the fullback. All the stars have to be aligned for everybody to be on the same page and right now, we're obviously lacking there. Collectively, we're shooting ourselves in the foot. It's not just one player. We're spreading the wealth of misfires. This is the consummate team game, and we all need to get on the same page." The Detroit defense has been surprisingly good against the run, but has struggled defending the pass. The Lions (0-4) are 10th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 86.5 yards per game. It's a different story through the air as Detroit gives up 282.0 yards passing, 30th in the league.
C. Taylor doesn't do much
(10/1/2006) Chester Taylor rushed 10 times for only 23 yards in Week 4 at Buffalo. He caught three passes for 14 yards.
Taylor back at practice Friday
(9/30/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ankle) remained listed as probable for Week 4 at Buffalo. He missed practice on Thursday, but returned on Friday.
C. Taylor added to injury report
(9/28/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 4 at Buffalo. Practice was not completed at the publishing time of the injury report, so it is unknown if Taylor practiced on Thursday.
Taylor totals 89 yards
(9/24/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had a tough go of it against the Bears in Week 3, rushing for 74 yards and catching three passes for 15 more with zero touchdowns.
Chester Taylor to run vs. Bears
(9/22/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor has a tough matchup in Week 3 vs. the Bears in Minnesota. The Bears rank eighth overall in run defense, allowing 74.5 rush yards per game. They let Ahman Green rush for 110 yards in Week 1 but thwarted Kevin Jones for 44 yards in Week 2 (the one TD the Bears have allowed was on a 1-yard plunge by Jon Kitna). Taylor, on the other hand, has 201 yards rushing on the year with a touchdown and 58 receiving yards, and he accumulated these stats at Washington and vs. Carolina -- two very stingy defenses.
Taylor rumbles for 113 yards
(9/17/2006) Vikings RB Chester Taylor had 24 carries for 113 yards with a long of 33 yards plus three catches for 15 yards vs. Carolina in Week 2.
Vikings plan to run at Panthers
(9/14/2006) With the philosophy of Minnesota coach Brad Childress, quantity is better than quality when it comes to running the ball. That's exactly what the Vikings had in their first game, a road win over the Washington Redskins that featured 34 attempts and only 86 yards. "You have to be patient," Childress said. "It's not always real clean as you start. I've mentioned to you before that it's the best way to allow your offensive line to exert their will on the defensive line. It becomes a battle of wills. The more you beat on them, generally, the better it becomes."
Chester Taylor sharp in Week 1
(9/11/2006) Taylor made his regular season debut for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 at Washington. He carried 31 times for 88 yards and a touchdown and also chipped in with three receptions for 43 yards.
C. Taylor to debut at Washington
(9/5/2006) RB Chester Taylor left Baltimore after four seasons to sign as a free agent with the Vikings and get the opportunity to step into a starting role for the first time in his five-year career. Fullback Tony Richardson, who left Kansas City to sign with the Vikings, will be Taylor's lead blocker (he paved the way for both Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson over the years). Both players are good at the physical game and will be willing to run over people to get yards. Taylor had an ugly preseason rushing for 95 yards on 37 carries (2.6 average) but added eight catches for 57 yards.
Not the 'Treasure Chester'?
(8/28/2006) Taylor has averaged only 2.8 yards per carry so far during the preseason. Head coach Brad Childress told the St. Paul Pioneer-Press that his statistical shortcomings are mostly due to offensive line problems and not Taylor's ability. "A lot of those 1- and 2-yard runs were to get it back where he got it to. We need to probably do a better job of covering people up on the inside, but it wasn't for lack of … running hard," Childress said.
No running room for Taylor Friday
(8/26/2006) Minnesota's Chester Taylor couldn't find running room for the third time this preseason Friday vs. Baltimore, carrying 10 times for 27 yards against his old team. He's averaging 2.8 yards per rush in the preseason.
Chester Taylor runs for 18 yards
(8/15/2006) Taylor (thigh) carried nine times for 18 yards in Monday's preseason game against the Raiders.
Vikings' Taylor hobbled in practice
(8/7/2006) The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings RB Chester Taylor left practice on Saturday with a strained thigh, one of several injuries that have happened at Vikings' camp thanks to new head coach Brad Childress' daily full-contact drills. RBs Mewelde Moore and Ciatrick Fason split reps in Taylor's absence.
Chester Taylor starting in MIN
(8/1/2006) When addressing the media about RB Mewelde Moore, Vikings head coach clarified that RB Chester Taylor is indeed his starter. Moore will be used in the offense, but Taylor is better suited for the team's offense. When asked about keeping Taylor in on third downs, Childress noted that he was strong enough to block and smart enough to pick up the blitz. Childress is also encouraged by the progress of his offensive line and thinks they "have a chance to be good."
Taylor still the man in Minnesota
(7/6/2006) According to reports, Chester Taylor's spot atop the Minnesota Vikings's depth chart appears secure. Reports indicated the team was concerned with his work ethic, as he showed up to camp out of shape and the coaches were not thrilled with his habits.
Vikes concerned with Chester Taylor
(6/26/2006) According to reports, the Minnesota Vikings are concerned with Chester Taylor's work ethic. He showed up to camp out of shape and the coaches are not thrilled with his work habits.
Chester Taylor out of shape?
(6/5/2006) According to reports, Chester Taylor showed up to Minnesota's minicamp out of shape. He was signed to be the team's featured back in the offseason.
Minnesota adds Steve Hutchinson
(3/21/2006) The Tacoma News-Tribune reports the Seattle Seahawks failed to match Minnesota's offer sheet for OG Steve Hutchinson, who is considered one of the league's best guards. He will improve the Vikes offensive line and makes Chester Taylor more attractive in drafts.
Minnesota signs Chester Taylor
(3/12/2006) The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the Minnesota Vikings have signed Chester Taylor to a four-year contract. New head coach Brad Childress said Taylor could touch the ball "20-30" times a game, so he's in line to start ahead of Mewelde Moore, Onterrio Smith and Ciatrick Fason.
Ravens, Taylor talk contract
(3/1/2006) The Baltimore Sun reports the Ravens have started contract talks with Chester Taylor. The Cleveland Browns have also expressed interest in the reserve back.
Taylor gets 487 yards
(1/6/2006) Ravens RB Chester Taylor rushed for 487 yards and 292 receiving yards with a TD catch. Taylor split time with Lewis in stretches during the season, earning one start. He will be a free agent at the start of the offseason.
C. Taylor has 64 total yards
(12/26/2005) Chester Taylor carried five times for 15 yards and he had three receptions for 49 yards in Week 16 against the Vikings.
(12/21/2005) RB Chester Taylor was limited to six carries for 37 yards as the Ravens gave most of the workload to Jamal Lewis. Taylor hadn't received less carries than Lewis in a game since Nov. 13.
C. Taylor runs for 37 yards
(12/20/2005) Chester Taylor had six carries for 37 yards in Week 15 against the Packers.
Taylor unimpressive in start
(12/14/2005) RB Chester Taylor replaced Jamal Lewis, who did not play because of a hand injury. Taylor ran hard but produced little results. He averaged 3 yards a carry and finished with 59 yards. More troubling was Taylor's second fumble in two games. There was little push from an offensive line that was missing three starters (left guard Edwin Mulitalo, right guard Keydrick Vincent and right tackle Orlando Brown).
C. Taylor runs for 59 yards
(12/12/2005) Chester Taylor carried 20 times for 59 yards in Week 14 at Denver. He also had three receptions for 14 yards while starting in place of Jamal Lewis.
Chester Taylor to start
(12/11/2005) The Ravens are going with RB Chester Taylor as their starter for Week 14 at Denver. Jamal Lewis will back him up.
Taylor to share carries
(12/6/2005) The Sun reports Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor will continue to share carries the rest of the season. "It's really not a matter of keeping both guys happy," head coach Brian Billick said. "Believe me, if we thought there was a definitive answer on either one to do this or that, to change the way we are running the ball, we would do that."
Taylor records 40 yards
(12/4/2005) Chester Taylor (foot) recorded 40 yards on 11 carries with no touchdowns in Sunday's 16-15 win over the Houston Texans.
Chester Taylor dresses
(12/4/2005) Ravens RB Chester Taylor (foot) is active for Week 13. He should take some of Jamal Lewis' reps away if he is truly healthy.
Taylor still limited
(12/2/2005) According to reports, Chester Taylor (foot) missed a portion of practice on Friday and has been limited all week. Jamal Lewis could shoulder the backfield load if Taylor is inactive for Week 13.
RB Taylor expected to play
(12/1/2005) The Baltimore Sun says RB Chester Taylor (foot) did not practice on Thursday, Dec. 1, but he is expected to play in Week 13.
Taylor to be questionable
(11/30/2005) The Sun reports Chester Taylor (foot) will be listed as questionable for Week 13 against Houston. X-rays taken earlier this week revealed no breaks, but his status remains uncertain.
No breaks for Taylor
(11/29/2005) The Post reports Chester Taylor (foot) had an X-ray that revealed no breaks, but there's still a chance he will be unavailable for Week 13.
Chester Taylor OUT
(11/27/2005) The Ravens have listed RB Chester Taylor (ankle) as inactive for their Week 12 game at Cincinnati. Jamal Lewis will start and see the lion's share of the carries.
Taylor expected to play
(11/27/2005) According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens coach Brian Billick expects Chester Taylor (ankle) to be available for Week 12.
RB Taylor limited
(11/25/2005) The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens RB Chester Taylor (ankle) was limited in practice Friday but is expected to share time with RB Jamal Lewis in Week 12 at Cincy. However, he could see less playing time if the ankle flares up during the game.
C. Taylor to be limited
(11/25/2005) According to the Baltimore, Ravens coach Brian Billick said that Chester Taylor (ankle) could be limited this week.
C. Taylor to keep splitting
(11/23/2005) The Baltimore Sun reports that the Ravens will continue to split reps between RBs Chester Taylor and Jamal Lewis against the Bengals in Week 12.
C. Taylor gains 59 yards
(11/20/2005) Chester Taylor rushed for 59 yards on 19 carries. He also caught four passes for 26 yards.
Taylor had 'personal issue'
(11/14/2005) Baltimore RB Chester Taylor didn't have a carry in Week 10 against Jacksonville because he missed practice all week with a "personal issue."
Chester Taylor scores at Pittsburgh
(11/1/2005) Taylor rushed eight times for only nine yards, but it was his touchdown catch and run that made his Monday night at Pittsburgh Fantasy newsworthy.
More carries for Taylor?
(10/28/2005) The Sun reports Ravens head coach Brian Billick left open the possibility that Chester Taylor could see significant action in Week 8. "We're going to use whatever combination we have to get the job done," Billick said. "Heck, I'll go carry the ball if I thought it would make a difference."
Taylor takes a step back
(10/23/2005) Ravens RB Chester Taylor, after playing well last week, rushed only twice for 21 yards at Chicago in Week 7.
C. Taylor racking up reps
(10/19/2005) Despite losing reps to Chester Taylor in Week 6, Ravens head coach Brian Billick told the Baltimore Sun that Jamal Lewis was still Baltimore's main running back. This despite Taylor having just 90 fewer yards than Lewis on 63 fewer carries. "We're very confident when Chester Taylor is in there and we have no hesitation with him," Billick said. "But Jamal Lewis is a force to be reckoned with, and when it's all said and done, he will have a huge impact on our ability to run the ball."
Taylor still just a backup RB
(10/18/2005) Jamal Lewis has been limited to 292 yards rushing on 98 carries this season, an average of 3 yards per attempt. He gained only 59 yards in 24 tries Sunday against Cleveland, numbers that were dwarfed by backup Chester Taylor, who had 92 yards in eight carries. "Jamal's had some tough sledding," coach Brian Billick said. "They're going to be very focused on a Jamal Lewis when he's in the game, and their defensive calls will be dictated by that to a certain degree, based on what they think we're going to do or the style of runner that Jamal is, compared to Chester Taylor."
RB Taylor totals 70 yards
(10/9/2005) Ravens RB Chester Taylor rushed for 46 yards and caught four passes for 24 more at Detroit in Week 5. He filled in a lot for Jamal Lewis, who was used a lot.
(9/8/2005) BaltimoreRavens.com reports RB Jamal Lewis will start but won't see as many carries as he normally might as he comes back from foot and ankle problems. Chester Taylor will play when Lewis is taking a breather.
Chester Taylor runs wild
(8/27/2005) Chester Taylor ran for 151 yards and one touchdown in Friday's preseason win over New Orleans.
C. Taylor returning to backup role
(8/23/2005) The Baltimore Sun reports that with Jamal Lewis back from an ankle injury, Chester Taylor is gladly resuming his role as his backup. "I'm going to do what my team asks me to do," Taylor said. "I know my time will come. I'm not worried about it."
Ravens' Taylor totals 55 yards
(8/14/2005) Ravens RB Chester Taylor, starting in place of Jamal Lewis, ran the ball 8 times for 55 yards in Baltimore's first preseason game vs. Atlanta.
Taylor suffers from heat exhaustion
(8/5/2005) The Sun reports Chester Taylor collapsed from heat exhaustion in practice on Thursday. "Chester has to be ready to handle all the carries of a No. 1 back," running backs coach Matt Simon said. "It's something I was hoping he could physically develop through. Obviously, we're not quite there yet. He was a little bit exhausted physically. Hopefully, he'll bounce back pretty quick."
Ravens retain RB Taylor
(3/22/2005) The Baltimore Ravens have matched the Cleveland Browns' offer sheet for Chester Taylor, who will remain the immediate backup to starter Jamal Lewis.
Browns ink Chester Taylor
(3/17/2005) According to reports, the Cleveland Browns have signed Taylor to a one-year, $3 million offer sheet. The Baltimore Ravens have seven days to match the offer, or they would receive a sixth-round selection as compensation.
Taylor meets with Browns
(3/3/2005) The Baltimore Sun reports Chester Taylor visited with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday.
Chester Taylor in the lineup
(12/26/2004) Taylor (hip, knee) is in the lineup for Week 16 at Pittsburgh.
C. Taylor has 42 total yards
(12/20/2004) Chester Taylor carried seven times for 22 yards in Week 15 at Indianapolis. He also had two receptions for 20 yards.
Chester probable
(12/16/2004) Chester Taylor (thigh) is probable for Week 15 at Indianapolis.
Chester tops 100
(12/12/2004) Chester Taylor rushed 25 times for 104 yards in Week 14 against the Giants. He also added 27 yards on four receptions.
Chester Taylor won't start
(12/12/2004) According to reports, Jamal Lewis (ankle) will start in Week 14. That leaves Taylor in a reserve role vs. the Giants.
Big day for Chester
(12/5/2004) Starting in place of Jamal Lewis (ankle), Chester Taylor rushed for 139 yards on 23 carries, finding the end zone once. He also had 25 yards on three catches.
Two more for Chester?
(12/3/2004) According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens running back Jamal Lewis (ankle) will not only miss Week 13 against Cincinnati but in all likelihood, will also sit out Week 14 against the Giants. This means Chester Taylor will start at least two more games for the Ravens.
Chester to start again
(12/2/2004) According to the Baltimore Sun, running back Jamal Lewis (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Week 13 against Cincinnati but left little doubt as to his status when he declared, "I'm not playing." In his absence, Chester Taylor will again start for the Ravens. "I'm going to be ready to go," Taylor said. "I'm going to do whatever I can to help this team win. As long as we keep grinding, one of these times, [a big run] will come."
Chester Taylor has 61 yards
(11/28/2004) Taylor carried 16 times for 61 yards in Week 12 at New England. He also had five receptions for 24 yards.
Chester Taylor to start
(11/24/2004) With Jamal Lewis (ankle) out for Week 12, Taylor will get the start.
Chester to start again?
(11/23/2004) According to the Baltimore Sun, with the news that Ravens running back Jamal Lewis (ankle) is likely out for Week 12 against the New England Patriots, Chester Taylor is in line to be the starting running back in Baltimore.
Chester Taylor scores TD
(11/21/2004) Taylor rushed for 33 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's win over Dallas.
C. Taylor gets 78 yards
(10/31/2004) Chester Taylor rushed 18 times for 78 yards in Week 8 against Philadelphia.
89 yards for Chester
(10/24/2004) Starting for the suspended Jamal Lewis, Chester Taylor had 21 carries for 89 yards in Week 7 against Buffalo.
RB C.Taylor ready for opportunity
(10/20/2004) Chester Taylor will start at running back for the Ravens in Week 7's matchup against Buffalo. Jamal Lewis officially started serving his suspension already.
Chester Taylor runs for 43
(10/11/2004) Taylor carried seven times for 43 yards in Week 5 at Washington.
Chester Taylor ready to play
(10/6/2004) According to the Baltimore Sun, despite suffering a minor ankle injury in Week 4 against Kansas City, Baltimore's Chester Taylor is healthy and ready to play in Week 5 against Washington.
(10/5/2004) With Jamal Lewis' pending four-game suspension, Taylor could be tabbed the starter at halfback as soon as Week 5 at Washington.
Chester Taylor sharp
(9/19/2004) Chester Taylor rushed for 76 yards on nine carries in Week 2 against Pittsburgh.
Chester Taylor runs for 117 yards
(8/29/2004) Taylor carried 10 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's preseason game against the Lions. His night was highlighted by an 84-yard third quarter touchdown scamper.
Chester Taylor posts 47 yards
(8/13/2004) Taylor carried seven times for 47 yards in Thursday's preseason game against the Falcons.
Chester Taylor able to play
(12/21/2003) Taylor (leg) saw seven carries for 22 yards in Week 16 at Cleveland.
Ravens RB is questionable
(12/18/2003) Chester Taylor (leg) is questionable for Week 16.
Chester Taylor has neck injury
(12/2/2003) Taylor was limited by a neck injury in Week 13 against the 49ers.
Chester Taylor returns to action
(11/16/2003) Taylor returned from a leg injury and had 43 all-purpose yards in Sunday’s game at Miami.
Ravens RB is probable
(11/13/2003) Chester Taylor (leg) is probable for Week 11.
Chester Taylor spells Lewis
(10/13/2003) Taylor carried 10 times for 45 carries at Arizona, as the Ravens began to use him as a change-of-pace back for Jamal Lewis. "They told me in the middle of the week that I was going to have more carries because it was going to be hot and Jamal was going to get tired," Taylor told the Baltimore Sun. "So I just tried to do my best to keep it steady, like he was in there."
Chester Taylor to increase carries
(10/10/2003) The Baltimore Sun reports that Taylor is expected to carry the ball eight to 10 times Sunday at Arizona. The team will combat the Arizona heat by spelling starter Jamal Lewis.
Chester Taylor able to play
(9/28/2003) Taylor (hand) was able to play in Week 4 against the Chiefs. He rushed five time for 47 yards and he added one reception for eight yards.
Chester Taylor is probable
(9/25/2003) Taylor (hand) is probable for Week 4.
(9/13/2002) Taylor is the No. 2 RB behind Jamal Lewis. He is good insurance for Lewis' owners, and would post respectable numbers if he was needed to play more often.
(8/16/2002) Taylor rushed for 42 yards on 10 carries on Thursday. In his first preseason game, Taylor showed he can be a capable backup for Jamal Lewis. He hasn't offically beat out Tellis Redmon for the backup job yet, but Taylor is a good late-round pick as insurance for Jamal Lewis' owners.
(8/15/2002) Taylor (knee) will play in Thursday's preseason game. Jamal Lewis will start, but Taylor will play a good portion of the first half. Taylor has impressed the coaching staff with his combination of speed and power, and might have some Fantasy value if Lewis struggles this season.
(8/12/2002) Taylor (leg) has returned to full-contact practices. The Baltimore Sun says he might start in Thursday's preseason game. Taylor is vying for the No. 2 RB job in Baltimore, and he is worth a late-round selection as insurance in case Jamal Lewis can't stay healthy.
(8/10/2002) Chester (leg) missed Friday's game vs. Detroit. Tellis Redmon filled in as the starting tailback, rushing for 27 yards on 10 carries. Chester remains day to day.
(8/9/2002) Taylor (leg) is not expected to play in Friday night's preseason opener. Tellis Redmon, who is battling Taylor for the backup RB job, will start at RB as Jamal Lewis is also being held out for precautionary measures. If Taylor continues to battle injuries, he might lose out to Redmon in the depth chart battle, and he won't have any Fantasy value.
(8/8/2002) Taylor (leg) is day to day. The Baltimore Sun says he is being limited in practices. Taylor is battling Tellis Redmon for the No. 2 RB job in Baltimore, and Fantasy leaguers who draft Jamal Lewis should monitor the competition closely.
(7/31/2002) Taylor suffered a bruised ankle in Tuesday's practice. His current status is day to day. Tellis Redmon might gain some ground in the race for the No. 2 RB job while Taylor is out, according to The Baltimore Sun. Those who draft Jamal Lewis should keep a close watch on the backup situation in Baltimore.
(6/4/2002) Unless Baltimore signs another tailback during the summer, Taylor will likely be Jamal Lewis' backup. Taylor is a smallish back, but he did have a lot of success at the collegiate level. Considering Lewis' questionable durability, Taylor might end up on a few Fantasy rosters this season.
