San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Elijah Mitchell is struggling with multiple injuries entering Week 15. Mitchell is dealing with a concussion and knee injury, and he hasn’t played since Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. Additionally, Mitchell hasn’t practiced this week, but will he play in Week 15 against the Atlanta Falcons, and how should fantasy football managers prepare?
Elijah Mitchell’s 2021 production
Mitchell’s been one of the best rookie running backs in the NFL this season. He’s posted 759 yards and 5 touchdowns on 165 carries over nine games. He’s added 17 receptions for 126 yards on only 18 targets this season as well.
Mitchell’s recorded 17+ carries in seven of his nine games, averaging 97.1 yards and 0.7 touchdowns on 21.1 carries per game. He’s seen 14 targets over his last three contests after seeing only 4 targets in his first five.
Mitchell ranks as the fantasy football RB25 in PPR scoring formats this season. He jumps to the RB19 on a per-game basis, though, as he’s struggled with injuries throughout his rookie campaign.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that Mitchell is San Francisco’s lead back when healthy. In his last three outings, he’s posted 290 yards and 2 touchdowns on 76 carries.
Is Elijah Mitchell playing today?
Mitchell had an uphill battle to start for the 49ers this weekend. First, he was dealing with a concussion and would have to pass the NFL’s concussion protocol before being cleared to practice. In addition, Mitchell is dealing with a knee injury.
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Mitchell cleared the concussion protocol, but head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that he was still dealing with significant swelling in his knee. He initially wasn’t able to practice because of the concussion, with his knee causing bigger problems later in the week. As a result, Mitchell couldn’t practice at all this week, and he’s already been ruled out for Week 15 against the Falcons.
Which 49ers players benefit most in fantasy from his absence?
Mitchell has been the workhorse running back for San Francisco, but it’s unlikely any one player jumps into that role in Week 15. Jeff Wilson Jr. is expected to take over as the lead back. He’s seen the lead role a couple of times this season, but he’s struggled in those games.
JaMycal Hasty hasn’t recorded any carries since Week 9, although he will see passing down snaps for the 49ers. He saw 3 targets last week and could see a similar amount in this game.
The biggest beneficiaries will be Jimmy Garoppolo, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. Samuel’s taking on a larger rushing role in the San Francisco offense, recording 218 yards and 5 touchdowns on 27 carries over his last four games.
The 49ers will also rely on their passing attack, giving Garoppolo and Aiyuk more opportunities. Ultimately, Wilson will come with some upside in this matchup. Nevertheless, Aiyuk and Samuel are the biggest beneficiaries of Mitchell’s absence.
