San Francisco 49ers Running Back to Miss Time

The San Francisco 49ers will be short one of their explosive playmakers for the next few weeks. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport announced Tuesday that running back Elijah Mitchell will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of a knee injury sustained in yesterday's 19-10 loss to the Chicago Bears:

#49ers RB Eli Mitchell, who was quickly ruled out yesterday with a knee injury, is expected to miss some time, source said. He has an MRI this morning and that will determine the full extent. But Mitchell looking at a few weeks (or more) on the sidelines.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022

Mitchell will likely miss at least the next few weeks, which include meaningful games against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams. Mitchell had been off to a strong start against the Bears before being ruled out, rushing for 41 yards on six attempts.

Taken 194th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Mitchell shocked the world by proving an immediate contributor as rookie, tallying 1100 yards from scrimmage and an impressive 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. In his absence, the 49ers will likely lean on running backs Jeff Wilson and Jordan Davis to shoulder the load, but the team could also pepper in a few more always-exhilarating rushes from wide receiver Deebo Samuel.