Throughout his rookie season in 2021, operating back Elijah Mitchell was regularly relied upon by the 49ers. Even so, with the addition of Christian McCaffrey to the group, Mitchell is acquiring it hard to even get on the field. In the current 30-23 victory more than the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell was a single of 4 active and healthier players who did not see any action. In contrast, McCaffrey played each and every offensive snap for the 49ers. Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that the group produced a error by not rotating the operating backs and expressed the want to give Mitchell additional playing time.
McCaffrey at the moment leads the NFL in rushing attempts and yards by means of two weeks, emphasizing his significance to the group. In the Week 1 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCaffrey rushed for 152 yards when Mitchell only played ten snaps. Shanahan explained that the duty for substitutions typically falls on the position coaches, with his concentrate mainly on play-calling. Even so, he acknowledged that he ought to have noticed Mitchell’s lack of playing time and advocated for his inclusion.
In spite of battling injuries through his rookie season, Mitchell emerged as a substantial contributor when he was on the field. In his final 5 normal season games, he had several games with more than 20 rushing attempts and carried the ball 27 instances in the 49ers’ playoff-opening win more than the Dallas Cowboys. Even so, Mitchell’s playing time decreased substantially soon after McCaffrey joined the group mid-season.
When McCaffrey is undoubtedly a major operating back in the league, Mitchell nonetheless deserves a function in the 49ers’ offense. Shanahan recognized the want to rectify the lack of rotation and make sure that Mitchell receives additional playing time in the future.
