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There was hope one offensive starter could make it back in time for Thursday night’s Week 16 clash, but the San Francisco 49ers will be without the young playmaker.
When the Tennessee Titans welcome the Niners to Nashville, the visitors will be without running back Elijah Mitchell, according to the 49ers’ December 22 injury report. The rising star has been a key contributor but will miss another game amid his recovery from a knee injury.
The rookie has made a name for himself since coming to Santa Clara, but he’s currently on hold. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was holding out hope of a return, but it’s not to be in Week 16.
Mitchell took his chance early in the season against the Detroit Lions, running for 104 yards and a touchdown. After a season-ending injury for Raheem Mostert, the Pro Football Reference numbers show that Mitchell has excelled in his stead.
759 yards and five rushing scores later, Mitchell is now a player San Francisco is missing as much as anybody. Fortunately for the 8-6 49ers, they have created a little wiggle room as Mitchell recovers.
But they may not even need it, considering Jeff Wilson’s performance in Week 15.
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Wilson Steps Up for the 49ers
For the past few seasons, it has seemed like Wilson is the alternative running back you want stepping in for injured players. He had some crucial touchdowns in 2019 and early 2020, but this year hasn’t quite been the same as he has also battled the injury bug.
Well, the 26-year-old got healthy and got the call against the Atlanta Falcons and he didn’t disappoint to the tune of 110 yards on 21 carries, plus he got in the endzone for the first time in 2021.
There’s no question the 49ers are missing Mitchell’s dynamic rushing presence, but Wilson is a fine option in the interim. He and the San Francisco offensive line must carry their momentum from last Sunday into Week 16, as Tennessee is no slouch in the run game.
Per NFL.com, the Titans rank sixth-best in the league in yards per carry allowed. To set up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers passing attack, it is a priority to get Wilson going early and often.
Niners Rule Out 3 Other Players
Besides Mitchell, San Francisco will also be missing three other names, most notably linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw has been another member of the 49ers to face a string of bad injury luck this season, only appearing in two games to date. Meanwhile, Talanoa Hufanga has shown flashes of skill during his three starts and 14 total appearances, most notably his knack for forcing fumbles.
With Jaquiski Tartt off the injury list, Hufanga’s absence hurts a little less but the ideal situation is having that depth option. Hurst hasn’t played since Week 5 and has seen just a total of 41 snaps this season.
San Francisco will be hopeful Azeez Al-Shaair (questionable) makes it back in time, but like Mitchell, it’s hard to imagine the coaching staff rushing him back faster than he needs. Winning in Nashville would be big, but it’s not worth losing starters and key players into the playoffs.
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