Throughout his rookie season in 2021, working again Elijah Mitchell was often relied upon by the 49ers. Nevertheless, with the addition of Christian McCaffrey to the workforce, Mitchell is discovering it troublesome to even get on the sphere. Within the latest 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell was one in every of 4 lively and wholesome gamers who didn’t see any motion. In distinction, McCaffrey performed each offensive snap for the 49ers. Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that the workforce made a mistake by not rotating the working backs and expressed the necessity to give Mitchell extra taking part in time.

McCaffrey presently leads the NFL in dashing makes an attempt and yards by means of two weeks, emphasizing his significance to the workforce. Within the Week 1 win towards the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCaffrey rushed for 152 yards whereas Mitchell solely performed 10 snaps. Shanahan defined that the duty for substitutions often falls on the place coaches, along with his focus totally on play-calling. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that he ought to have seen Mitchell’s lack of taking part in time and advocated for his inclusion.

Regardless of battling accidents throughout his rookie season, Mitchell emerged as a big contributor when he was on the sphere. In his ultimate 5 common season video games, he had a number of video games with over 20 dashing makes an attempt and carried the ball 27 occasions within the 49ers’ playoff-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys. Nevertheless, Mitchell’s taking part in time decreased considerably after McCaffrey joined the workforce mid-season.

Whereas McCaffrey is undoubtedly a high working again within the league, Mitchell nonetheless deserves a task within the 49ers’ offense. Shanahan acknowledged the necessity to rectify the shortage of rotation and be certain that Mitchell receives extra taking part in time sooner or later.