49ers’ Running Back Elijah Mitchell Out With MCL Sprain: What Does This Mean?

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Angela Miele | Last updated 9/13/22

Week one for the San Francisco 49ers did end well for them. In addition to a tough loss against the Chicago bears , running back Elijah Mitchell exited the game early with a knee injury. On Monday, the team announced that Mitchell sprained his MCL. He will not be getting surgery on his knee but is set to miss about two months. With Mitchell out, the 49ers must pick the next man up to take on the running back position.

Jeff Wilson Jr.

In the 2021 NFL season, Mitchell recorded, 963 total yards in 11 games. The next to start is running back, Jeff Wilson JR. Wilson has been with the team since 2018 and with Mitchell out this is his chance to stand out. Sitting behind multiple starters, this is his chance to show why he has been on the team for so long. Wilson recorded 294 yards in 2021 after missing most of the season with a knee injury.

Jordan Mason

The running back behind Wilson is still up in the air. Rookie Jordan Mason was on the active roster against the Bears. Mason rushed for one yard, but only got the ball once. Mason making the roster last week puts him at an advantage to rotate with Wilson for the next two months.

Tyrion Davis-Price

Left off the roster in week one was rookie running back, Tyrion Davis-Price. Davis-Price has not yet played a regular-season game but ran over 1,000 yards in 12 games during his final year at LSU. The 49ers drafted Davis-Price in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite not playing in the season opener, Davis-Price is expected to compete for the second running back spot. With quick speed, Davis-Price can help the 49ers’ offense succeed.

Deebo Samuel To Take On The Wide back Role Again

Despite losing their starting running back, 49ers star wide receiver Deebo Samuel can be expected to rush the ball. In the 2021 season, Samuel rushed for 365 yards. Samuel started rushing regularly after Elijah Mitchell was out with an injury last season. Samuel being utilized as a running back was included in his extension as well. Per Adam Shefter, Samuel can earn an extra $650,000 per year through rushing the ball. Samuel already has one rushing touchdown this season.

Despite the loss of Elijah Mitchell, running backs have been known to succeed under head coach, Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday and it is to be seen who will step up and take on the running back role.