The San Francisco 49ers, after enduring another injury-plagued campaign, have made a focused effort to reinforce their depth this offseason. While the team can certainly pray for better health in 2026, if the injury bug destroys San Fran again, the hope is that it will be in a position where it can overcome its losses as it did for the most part last year.
One depth piece the Niners have moved on from in recent years is running back Elijah Mitchell. At one point, Mitchell was the team’s lead running back, but now, he’s struggling to find a home in the NFL after he was cut by the New England Patriots last month. It hasn’t taken long for Mitchell to earn a new opportunity, though, as he’s earned a tryout with one of San Francisco’s top rivals in the NFC.
Eagles Bring Elijah Mitchell in for a Tryout
Mitchell broke into the NFL as a sixth-round pick with the 49ers, and he quickly became the team’s starting running back. In 11 games as a rookie, Mitchell racked up 963 yards and five touchdowns on 207 carries, while also catching 19 passes for 137 yards and another score. From seemingly out of nowhere, it seemed like the Niners had found their running back of the future.
Instead, San Francisco picked up Christian McCaffrey in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, sending Mitchell to the bench for the rest of his tenure. He would play in only 16 games with the 49ers over the next three years due to a slew of injuries, with the Kansas City Chiefs eventually deciding to sign him in free agency.
Mitchell played in just one game with Kansas City before he was cut late in the season. The Pats scooped him up, but he didn’t play for them, and he ended up getting released again after the 2026 NFL Draft. Mitchell could find himself carving out a role on a new team, though, as he was invited by the Philadelphia Eagles to try out for them during their rookie minicamp.
“The Eagles have a couple of veteran running backs trying out at their rookie minicamp this weekend. Elijah Mitchell and Khalil Herbert are both on the roster that the team gave to reporters at the first day of the minicamp,” Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk reported.
Elijah Mitchell Faces Long Odds to Crack Eagles’ Roster
GettySANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Elijah Mitchell #25 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half in the NFC Divisional Playoff game
Injuries certainly haven’t helped Mitchell’s case to earn a new role in the NFL, but he simply hasn’t had the same burst he had earlier in his career. Mitchell will likely be competing with another former sixth-round running back, Khalil Herbert, during rookie minicamp, and it’s worth noting that Philly already has a pretty deep depth chart at running back, with Saquon Barkley headlining that group.
As for San Francisco, McCaffrey is continuing to lead the way at this spot as one of the top dual-threat options in the league. Ironically, the Niners could probably use some depth at this spot, but it seems like Mitchell won’t be returning to town anytime soon. As a result, Jordan James, Kaelon Black, and Isaac Guerendo will be competing for McCaffrey’s backup job during training camp.
Former 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell Attempts to Land with NFC Team After Being Cut