San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (25) - Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
With the NFL roster cut-downs being made official, San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell was placed on the Injured Reserve list. He has no return designation, which keeps him out for the entire 2024 NFL season. Here is a look at why Mitchell is out for the season and what this means for the 49ers and the running back.
Elijah Mitchell Out for the Season
On Tuesday, August 27th, teams across the league had to bring their roster down to 53 men. With that, it was also released that Mitchell was placed on the season-ending Injured Reserve list. Mitchell has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career, but this one will keep him out for the entirety of 2024.
Michell has been dealing with a hamstring injury ahead of the 2024 season. This has kept him out of the preseason this year. According to ESPN’s 49ers reporter, Nick Wagoner, Mitchell suffered a more severe hamstring injury this week. Although Mitchell was seen at practice in uniform on Monday, he did not do teamwork. He focused on individual drills. Although it was a bit of a surprise the hamstring injury would end his career, it was a known injury. This would have been Mitchell’s fourth year with the 49ers.
What’s Next for the 49ers?
Christian McCaffrey
So with Mitchell out for the 2024 season, what does the running back room look like for the 49ers? Of course, the starter will be Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey has been dealing with calf issues but is set to start in week one. But who else is there, at least according to the current 53-man roster?
Jordan Mason
Behind McCaffrey will now be Jordan Mason, who is heading into his third year with the 49ers. Mason has stepped up as the backup running back in the past based on previous Mitchell injuries, but now will be doing it for the entire season. He has also been utilized later in games and always gives it his all. In two seasons, Mason has rushed the ball 83 times for four touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. Mason should do well as a backup this year.
Isaac Guerendo
Beyond Mason, two other running backs are making the 53-man roster. They are Patrick Taylor Jr. and Isaac Guerendo. Guerendo is a rookie running back to watch for this season when it comes to the new kickoff returns. In the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Guerendo returned the kick for 93 yards. His speed and ability to get past the Raiders’ special teams helped push him onto the roster and potentially will give him playing time as a returner.
Patrick Taylor Jr.
Taylor is a veteran running back on this roster. Taylor initially signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. From 2021-2023 he did appear in games for the Packers, just not many. In three years he rushed the ball 65 times for 261 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Reference. Taylor may not play often but could be valuable depth on the roster.
It remains to be seen if the 49ers will add or replace any running backs. For now, these are the four on the 53-man roster.
Future of Elijah Mitchell?
Mitchell was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft in the sixth round with the 194th overall pick. When he is on the field, he is a very good running back. The issue is, he spends a lot of the time on the sideline with an injury. In three years, Mitchell has rushed the ball 327 times for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.
Missing his fourth year with the team is a difficult situation. There is a good chance 49ers fans have seen the last of Mitchell on the team. No matter where he plays in the future, hopefully, Mitchell can heal up and get back on the field healthy and stronger than before.
