Elijah Mitchell

Elijah Mitchell got hurt in Week 1 and the team traded for Christian McCaffrey by the time he was fully healthy enough to return to the field (Week 10). In his first game back, he rushed 18 times for 89 yards. He saw middling usage over the next two weeks - eight carries for 47 rushing yards per game - before getting hurt again. Mitchell's gone two straight seasons without being able to stay healthy - definitely a downside factor to being undersized running back in the Kyle Shanahan run scheme. But his efficient play at least solidified him as the primary handcuff to McCaffrey in 2023. He might see occasional spike weeks of production even while CMC is healthy (as he did at times in 2022) but I'd hardly project him for any consistent role as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart. Although it should be noted that No. 3 running back Jordan Mason graded out as PFF's second-highest graded rusher in 2022, and could potentially push Mitchell for the backup job. Mason's larger stature will make it easier for him to hold up over an 18-week season.

Despite being listed as questionable, the San Francisco 49ers are listing Elijah Mitchell as inactive for the championship round against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fantasy Impact

Mitchell, who dealt with injury all year, was slowly working his way into an increased role as he carried the ball 14 times against the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round. However, a groin injury will hold him out again. Christian McCaffrey and Deebo a Samuel can be expected to receive a major workload, and Tevin Coleman, who was elevated, could see some action as the backup.