Taylor has just six receptions for 45 yards through seven games this season. He's hauled in just one reception for eight yards since Week 3. Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters today and was asked about Taylor's reduced production. The coach explained that the team still has faith in the receiver, but other factors have produced fewer opportunities.
Shanahan made it clear, though, that Taylor is not dealing with an injury, as was the case over the last two seasons.
"Yeah, Trent is healthy," Shanahan said. "I definitely could find more ways to [get him more involved in the offense]. I've got a lot of respect for Trent, and I have a lot of confidence in Trent. I thought he got a couple of more opportunities earlier on this year, but we think [Kendrick Bourne] has played at a high level, and we thought he played at a very high level last year, too. And once [Deebo Samuel] and [Brandon Aiyuk] got healthy, and they got back, it was a tough decision."
Taylor's best season came during his rookie campaign when he caught 43 passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns.
This season, Aiyuk leads all wide receivers with 280 receiving yards. Bourne is close behind with 271 yards. Samuel was returning to form after missing the first three games but suffered a hamstring strain during Sunday's 33-6 win over the New England Patriots.
"We didn't want to have to take Bourne off the field," Shanahan continued. "We thought he had earned that, and he does some good things in what we call the F role that Trent does too. So, it wasn't really as much about Trent. It was about Aiyuk and Deebo coming back, and we felt that KB had earned the right to stay out there.
"Trent has still been our fourth guy, using him and Richie (James), depending on the spots, and we get them in there. But any time that does happen, you lose a lot of your opportunities. But I know Trent's ready. Once his opportunity comes up, my confidence in Trent hasn't changed at all. It's just been more about the other guys."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk says nearby electrical substation has been a 'talking point for years'
Discussion surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' recent injury history—and whether a nearby electrical substation could be a contributing factor—doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. The 49ers endured another injury-plagued season in 2025, losing key stars such as... -
Kyle Shanahan hiring son of 49ers great to coaching staff
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is adding a familiar name to his coaching staff. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the 49ers are hiring Roman Sapolu, the son of franchise great Jesse Sapolu. The elder Sapolu was a four-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan delivers humorous but sad response about Seahawks before Super Bowl LX
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is serving as a guest analyst on NBC's pregame coverage of Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots. During the broadcast, Shanahan was asked what... -
Where 49ers' Kyle Shanahan finished in NFL Coach of the Year voting
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan fell short in the voting for the AP NFL Coach of the Year award for the 2025 season. The honor instead went to New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. The announcement was made during NFL Honors at the Palace of Fine Arts in San...