Running back Elijah Mitchell of the San Francisco 49ers will miss the entirety of the 2024 NFL season after being placed on the injured reserve list. This is merely the most recent setback in an injury-plagued career. Mitchell has only now been able to completely resume participating in individual drills after suffering a hamstring injury during practice. He participated in several practices, but he never truly fit in during camp. Although the crew hoped he would return to his former self, safety precautions did not stop the last incident.
Injury Cycle Hits Elijah Mitchell Again
This marks the umpteenth time Elijah Mitchell had to fight his way through injuries. The running back, in his three-year career, has suffered a spate of setbacks and missed substantial time on the field because of them. Mitchell has had limited playing time because of everything from rib and shoulder problems to knee and finger issues.
It seemed like every season, he was so close to breaking through a bevy of hurdles that would allow him to lock in his position with the 49ers. This was supposed to be the year he rebounded and proved himself. Instead, this continuing injury pattern face-planted again. It has been a vicious circle of injury and recovery that has not given him the needed traction to establish himself in the lineup of the team.
Impact on the 49ers
The 49ers had been counting on Mitchell to be a good backup to their star running back, Christian McCaffrey. Without Mitchell now, the team will have to lean heavier on Jordan Mason, who has already made a case for a bigger role. His performance in training camp has shown that he is ready for the step up and may help ease the blow of losing Mitchell.
Jordan Mason has been a standout during camp up to this point, and it has become apparent that he will make a major impact in the 49ers backfield. Within the previous two seasons, Mason has averaged 5.6 yards per carry. He proved himself reliable while being effective. Whenever the teams he’s been on need him, he’s shown to be a workhouse. Mason has a mixed-style running style with an adaptive nature on the field, and he is good to go and fill the void created by Mitchell’s injury.
The 49ers’ Roster Moves
Now that Mitchell is finally out, the 49ers have updated the roster. Besides Mason, they have retained Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo on the roster. That combination of guys is going to help fill some of the gaps in the running back position and give the team some depth. With Mitchell out, the 49ers will have to reconsider their game plan. McCaffrey is still the first choice, having steadfast backups, however, allows the team to provide a great running game all season long. The team will be keeping a close eye on Mason to see whether he can bear the added responsibility.
This is rough on Mitchell. He had high hopes for this successful year and proving himself. The frustration that he cannot contribute on the field must be seriously disheartening, as he has such great potential and past performance records. Sans Mitchell, the strategy is changed, and it’s up to the other running backs to step in. The hope is that Mason, Taylor, and Guerendo can rise to the occasion and keep the team competitive. For Mitchell, attention now goes to recovery and getting ready for a fresh start next season.
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