Yea the Needle Bearing Races have to fail in order for the needles to get out, one side can get more loaded than the other.... so that taper is easily explainable assuming it was being worn before it escaped......Of course I have no judgement of the length of that metal.....
In ANY scenario, this engine needs torn down and inspected and probably rebuilt if it is then already apart....
I am attaching a stock "removed in good order" needle bearing and length for reference if it matters to you.
