The Kansas City Chiefs are signing free-agent running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) to a one-year deal worth up to $3.5 million on Monday, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Mitchell, who was a sixth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 out of Louisiana, will now join the Chiefs backfield as depth behind Isiah Pacheco for the 2025 season. Barring another injury for the injury-plagued RB, he'll likely enter Week 1 this fall as the No. 2 behind Pacheco. Mitchell has averaged a healthy 4.7 yards per carry on 327 rushing attempts over his three seasons in the NFL, but he's only appeared in 27 games (12 starts) due to injury. He suffered a hamstring injury in training camp last year and was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve in August before the regular season even began. At best, Mitchell will be a deep-league handcuff option for those that have Pacheco rostered.
Mar 10, 2025 12:48 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers placed running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, and his 2024 season is over. Mitchell, who was projected as the team's RB2, has dealt with injury problems throughout his career, having never played more than 11 games in a year. Jordan Mason is now expected to be the 49ers' RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey (calf) with Mitchell sidelined. Rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. will also see an uptick in playing time behind McCaffrey and Mason with Mitchell now done for the year.
Aug 27, 2024 5:07 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers have typically carried four running backs and a fullback on their 53-man roster. They've traded two RBs for fifth-round draft picks in the past, Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson Jr., during Kyle Shanahan's tenure as head coach. If Elijah Mitchell can fetch a return, then perhaps the 49ers have adequate depth to orchestrate another trade. San Francisco has been happy with Cody Schrader and Patrick Taylor Jr., so expect at least one of those backs to remain in the building, even if it's on the practice squad. Mitchell is one of San Fran's top backups to workhorse starter Christian McCaffrey (calf), who is currently not practicing. If Mitchell were to get traded ahead of the regular season, it would leave Jordan Mason as McCaffrey's clear-cut backup and an abundance of contingency upside as a handcuff.
Aug 27, 2024 2:58 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running backs Elijah Mitchell (hamstring), Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) and Patrick Taylor Jr. (undisclosed) have all returned to training camp practices in the last two days. The only Niners running back out of practice still is starter Christian McCaffrey (calf), but he's been doing heavy work on the side. Mitchell will now try to hold off Jordan Mason for the RB2 role in San Fran. Although McCaffrey will end up missing the entire preseason, the 49ers aren't worried that he'll miss the start of the regular season. The 26-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2021 out of Louisiana would become a weekly fantasy option if CMC were to miss extended time, but Mitchell has battled injury issues of his own in his three years in the NFL and has played in a total of 27 games (12 starts) since entering the league. Guerendo is behind in his development heading into his rookie year, but he, too, could be a threat to Mitchell's spot on the depth chart eventually in 2024.
Aug 21, 2024 5:39 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) won't suit up for Saturday's preseason opener. The 49ers will be without Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey (calf), and Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) for Saturday's contest. Undrafted rookie Cody Schrader and veteran Matt Breida are likely to see increased touches with the 49ers limited on players. These injuries aren't expected to linger into the regular season.
Aug 10, 2024 6:40 PM EST
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan relayed to reporters on Tuesday that San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) has been dealing with a strained hamstring. While it's unknown if Mitchell will miss any time because of this injury, but the fact that Christian McCaffrey (calf) is also set to miss the preseason with a calf injury and the team adding former 49er Matt Breida to the running back stable raises the level of concern. The pecking order for the backup running back behind McCaffrey has heated up with Mitchell, Jordan Mason, rookie Isaac Guerendo, and now Breida. Mitchell has been the primary backup since McCaffrey arrived in San Francisco in a 2022 mid-season trade, but the hold on that job has loosened by the day. Keep an eye on any news regarding the injury status for Mitchell, but Mitchell does carry a slight edge as the contingency running back for the 49ers in case CMC isn't ready for Week 1.
Aug 6, 2024 9:32 PM EST
With Christian McCaffrey receiving a training-camp rest day on Monday, Jordan Mason was the San Francisco 49ers' first running back on the field for the start of team drills. Mason, the 49ers' No. 3 back the past two seasons, carried the ball on the first snap. Elijah Mitchell, the No. 2 back since McCaffrey arrived in 2022, had a carry on the second snap. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also shared praise of Mason's development after the session. After Mitchell served as McCaffrey's unquestioned backup, Mason at least is making the situation murkier. San Fran's backfield pecking order behind McCaffrey will certainly be something for fantasy managers to monitor leading into the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the hosting Tennessee Titans. Until then, Mitchell should be treated as CMC's preferred handcuff at the end of fantasy drafts with rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) sidelined.
Jul 30, 2024 3:02 PM EST
According to The Athletic's David Lombardi, San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell is the team's clear No. 2 back behind All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Mitchell is an all-around back, but his health is the key. If training camp this summer yields a productive backfield logjam, Lombardi points out that the 49ers have previously traded Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson Jr. when they have an excess of depth at the position. As of right now, the 26-year-old Mitchell is the best handcuff option for fantasy managers that take McCaffrey first overall in fantasy drafts this fall. Mitchell has produced 4.7 yards per carry in his three years in the NFL in the Bay Area, but he's also played in just 27 games in a three-year span. If CMC misses time with an injury in 2024, Mitchell will become a hot commodity.
Jun 6, 2024 2:11 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell will back up starter Christian McCaffrey in Saturday night's Divisional Round tilt versus the Green Bay Packers. Mitchell finished the regular season with a career-low 3.7 yards per attempt and two touchdowns, almost exclusively as McCaffrey's injury and garbage-time replacement. Conceivably, DFS players willing to gamble on those scenarios occurring on Saturday could find a healthy return on minimal investment but otherwise, Mitchell should not be considered for fantasy lineups.
Jan 19, 2024 11:05 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell led the team in carries and rushing yards in Sunday's 21-20 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With All-Pro Christian McCaffrey inactive, Mitchell outcarried fellow backup Jordan Mason 14 to 6 and outgained him in rushing yards, 52 to 36. He also added two receptions on two targets for 15 yards. Mitchell finishes the year with 75 carries for 281 yards and two touchdowns. Barring any unexpected roster moves, Mitchell is likely to reprise his role as McCaffrey's backup in 2024 and remain a popular fantasy stash and handcuff for McCaffrey managers.
Jan 7, 2024 8:52 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell could make his first start of the season with Christian McCaffrey ruled out in the team's Week 18 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The 25-year-old backup has been dealing with an illness this week but was cleared from the injury report on Friday, making him the favorite to lead San Francisco's backfield on Sunday. However, Mitchell's actual usage is anyone's guess, as Jordan Mason is almost certain to get a share of the touches and has been effective in limited action at 5.0 yards per carry to Mitchell's 3.8. Second-year man Tyrion Davis-Price could also be in the mix, although he'd have to be elevated from the practice squad. That said, Mitchell carries undeniable value in Week 18 championships and DFS for those willing to roll the dice. Consider him an RB2 this week with loads of upside but a low floor depending on the 49ers' personnel decisions.
Jan 6, 2024 1:19 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (illness) was under the weather and didn't practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday, but he returned to a limited session on Thursday. Mitchell should be available for the Week 18 regular season finale on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, and a bigger backfield role should be in store with Christian McCaffrey (calf) already ruled out. With quarterback Brock Purdy also being rested, expect the Niners to lean on a more ground-based approach with Sam Darnold running the offense. It's all good news for Mitchell's fantasy appeal in DFS this weekend, although Jordan Mason reportedly could be utilized as the primary back. Tyrion Davis-Price could see some run as well, so Mitchell will still be a pretty risky option at the RB position for a Niners team that has already locked up the top seed in the NFC.
Jan 4, 2024 10:40 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (illness) wasn't feeling well on Wednesday and did not take part in practice with the rest of the team. Mitchell's status for the Week 18 regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday is of much greater importance to DFS gamers with Christian McCaffrey (calf) already being ruled out. The Niners have locked up the top seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs, so they are going to be resting some starters this weekend. If Mitchell is at all questionable for Sunday's contest, they could just hold him out entirely and give him three weeks to rest up before the Divisional Round. Mitchell might not even have much upside if he plays, with reports suggesting Jordan Mason could be the lead back in Week 18.
Jan 3, 2024 10:11 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell became the team's featured back after starter Christian McCaffrey (calf) was sidelined halfway through the third quarter in Sunday's 27-10 road win over the Washington Commanders. The third-year pro, who was coming off of an injury of his own which sidelined him for three games, found plenty of room to run. Mitchell finished with 17 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. Any fantasy managers still playing in Week 18 may find Mitchell to be an intriguing option at home against the Los Angeles Rams since San Francisco is unlikely to deploy McCaffrey given the injury and having clinched the No.1 playoff seed.
Dec 31, 2023 4:42 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) practiced in full all week long and has been removed from the final injury report. He will be active for Sunday's contest against the Washington Commanders, putting an end to his three-game absence. The 25-year-old is averaging less than five carries per game this season, so while he could see increased opportunities with a favorable matchup on tap, he remains off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
Dec 29, 2023 5:05 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) was a full participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. Mitchell will be returning to action this weekend versus the Washington Commanders after missing the last three games due to his knee injury. Now that Mitchell is ready to return in Week 17, Jordan Mason (illness) will return to the No. 3 role behind Mitchell and workhorse back Christian McCaffrey. The 25-year-old Mitchell is no stranger to injuries in his third season in the NFL and has really no fantasy value as long as CMC is healthy. In nine games played in 2023, Mitchell has 44 rushing attempts for 149 yards (career-low 3.4 yards per carry) and has caught four of six targets for minus-one yard.
Dec 28, 2023 10:36 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) was a full-go in practice on Wednesday and appears ready to return from a three-game absence when the team takes on the Washington Commanders this Sunday. Mitchell has only played in nine games this season, carrying the ball 44 times for 149 yards (3.39 yards per tote) and no touchdowns while adding four catches on six targets for minus-one yard. As long as workhorse back Christian McCaffrey remains healthy, Mitchell and Jordan Mason are going to be fighting for scraps in San Francisco's backfield, which doesn't warrant itself to any kind of fantasy relevance. Mitchell could be eased back into offensive snaps if he's active this Sunday, too, so he's completely off the fantasy radar.
Dec 27, 2023 10:54 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is expected to be able to practice fully this week as his team prepares to take on the Washington Commanders in Week 17. Mitchell hasn't played since injuring his knee in Week 13 but he appears primed to return to the backup running back role behind Christian McCaffrey. If Mitchell doesn't end up playing in Week 17, look for the 49ers to continue to roll with Jordan Mason as their primary backup to McCaffrey.
Dec 26, 2023 9:11 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is inactive for Week 16 versus the Baltimore Ravens. He had been listed as questionable after logging a pair of limited practices. Although Mitchell has seen his practice status gradually improve over the last couple of weeks, he's still not ready to play in a game and will sit out his third consecutive contest. Jordan Mason figures to operate as Christian McCaffrey's backup on Monday night.
Dec 25, 2023 8:09 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) is considered questionable for the Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Mitchell was able to practice on Saturday, which is a good sign heading into this game. He has missed each of the last two games due to a lingering knee issue. His absence would mean increased snaps for Jordan Mason in the backfield. Regardless, there isn't a ton of value for either back behind Christian McCaffrey in this offense. Both Mitchell and Mason can be ignored in most fantasy formats.
Dec 23, 2023 7:20 PM EST
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