SANTA CLARA — After five surgeries kept him off the field for the entire 2019 NFL season, there's no one more excited to get back to work than 49ers wide receiver Trent Taylor.
Taylor’s 2020 return included the highlight of the first practice of 49ers training camp Saturday. His diving one-handed catch near the right sideline got reactions from both players and media alike. The 15-yard reception from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo happened near the end of practice during 11-on-11 drills.
As a rookie, Taylor was one of the bright spots of the 49ers' 6-10 2017 season. He immediately built chemistry with Garoppolo and seemed poised for a breakout sophomore season. No one could have predicted the roller coaster that was ahead for the Louisiana Tech product.
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A procedure on Taylor’s back during the 2018 offseason limited his speed and availability on the field, and his production was essentially cut in half. Then, after a very productive start to training camp in 2019, a Jones fracture sidelined Taylor.
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Complications during what should have been an 8-10 week recovery turned into an entire year lost for Taylor. Lingering infections required multiple surgeries and even more rehabilitation.
Coach Kyle Shanahan understands what a challenge the past two seasons have been for Taylor and couldn’t be happier for his first day of practice.
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“I was just happy for him, he’s overcome a lot,” Shanahan said. “All the infections that he did get and having to re-do that surgery. I know how tough that was for him. And before that, how high of a level he was playing.
“Just to get him back out there is a huge deal. Looks like the same guy. I know how hard he's worked and how excited he is.”
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Shanahan warned that pity is not how to approach Taylor. The receiver’s full focus is straight ahead, working for a breakout 2020 season.
“He’s not a guy you want to baby right now or ask him how his foot is doing,” Shanahan said. “He will be very irritated with that question. He’s ready to move on. He’s ready to play some football. That’s the guy I see out there.”