The 2021 season probably went differently than San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Elijah Mitchell imagined. He likely figured to spend most of the season behind Raheem Mostert, heading onto the field when the one-time starter needed rest.
That changed in Week 1 when Mostert suffered a season-ending knee injury. After that, Mitchell became the 49ers' featured back, finishing the regular season with 963 rushing yards—the most ever by a 49ers rookie—and five rushing touchdowns on 207 carries. And he did so while battling several injuries along the way, including shoulder, rib, finger, and knee injuries. The running back even dealt with a concussion that made him miss time.
"Football is always a challenge, but I fought through it and got through it," Mitchell told reporters on Monday.
After a 3-5 start to the season, the 49ers rebounded, making the playoffs in the final week of the regular season thanks in part to Mitchell's contributions. The Wild Card team knocked off two division winners on the way to the NFC Championship Game, where it finally fell 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams.
Mitchell feels he learned a lot along the way and will benefit from that growth next season.
"Mentally, that was the biggest thing," Mitchell admitted. "For myself, I'm happy with the things I did, but I know I have more, and I know I could have gave more also. ... We came up short, but it just adds fuel to the fire for next year."
Mitchell added 19 receptions for 137 yards and a receiving touchdown to his rookie statistics. The running back proved he is tough enough to bear the brunt of the load for the 49ers. However, he wants to be a better all-around back and contribute more in the passing game.
"I learned a lot," Mitchell said. "I've got to build my body up more. I can get the ball a lot, so that's one thing I have to do this offseason. I've got to work like a receiver too. I know we do a lot of stuff catching the ball, so that's one of my plans through this offseason."
Mitchell added, "I can [already] catch the ball, so just got to work on running routes and stuff, and being able to just be out there more."
There is one other area where he would like to grow—his role as a leader on the team. His veteran teammates already praised Mitchell's attitude and work ethic. Sometimes, they would forget that the 23-year-old was in his first NFL season.
"I did some good stuff this year, but I definitely, next year, want to be able to be a leader too," Mitchell shared. "It will be my second year, but I know what this team has and what we can be. We lost, and it was just horrible for us. But I definitely want to be a leader next year and be able to step up and give more."