Trent Taylor ready for prime time after missing 49ers' two national TV games

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SANTA CLARA -- Trent Taylor has felt the disappointment of sitting out two prime-time games this season. But the 49ers wide receiver has turned it into motivation.

Taylor's back surgery was downplayed as a minor procedure when it was announced during the offseason. He believed he'd be back to full strength more quickly, but it's been more of a challenge than he anticipated. He was inactive in Week 6 (Monday Night Football against the Packers) and in Week 9 (Thursday Night Football against the Raiders) as he rounds back into form.

“I felt like as soon as I got back to running that it would all just come back and it’d be all good," Taylor said ahead of Monday night's 49ers-Giants game at Levi's Stadium. "I felt good when I first came back, but it was sustaining that throughout the season is what’s been harder than I expected. Sadly, it’s just taken a little longer than I wanted.”

Finally, 10 weeks into the season, Taylor is feeling more like himself. He has been less productive -- he has just 18 catches for 138 yards and one touchdown in his seven games played -- but he had a solid rookie season in 2017, with 43 grabs for 430 yards and two scores.

Taylor never pictured himself missing games and explained doing so has been mentally challenging.

“It’s been tough sitting out any game I’ve sat out this year,” he said. “Especially the two prime-time games I’ve had to sit out. It’s tough to sit out of any game, but when you know it’s a prime-time game, and the whole country is watching, it just makes you want to be out there that much more.

“It’s kind of hard to watch, but those are the feelings you have to take in, and you have to remember. When you’re in your training, you have to remember and go back to those feelings that you had. Just remember what you’re working for.”

[RELATED: Four 49ers players to watch tonight vs. Giants]

Taylor will have a chance to re-establish himself as a staple of the 49ers' offense Monday against the Giants with Pierre Garçon ruled out with a knee injury. Taylor prepared all week knowing that playing in this game was a possibility.

“The more you know, if you know every position,” Taylor said, “the more comfortable they are putting you out there wherever they might need you. So, I’ve been doing a lot of studying on that position and my regular slot position as well.”

Taylor said 49ers coaches have given him practice reps at Garçon’s Z position, as well as in his usual slot position, just to get a feel for it. Taylor is willing to play anywhere the staff decides.

“I like to play football,” Taylor said. “Any chance I can get out there to go out and play, I’m down with it."

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