Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Elijah Mitchell had a significant workload for last season—more significant than most anticipated for a rookie running back. He was supposed to serve as support for Raheem Mostert. Of course, the plan changed when Mostert underwent season-ending surgery after playing just four snaps in the regular-season opener.
Mitchell became the 49ers' featured running back. He amassed 963 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 207 carries in 2021, adding 19 receptions for 137 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. To say he was banged up along the way would be an understatement.
Mitchell dealt with shoulder, rib, finger, and knee injuries. The running back even missed time due to a concussion. Today, Mitchell was asked if he had to undergo surgery on the knee that limited him for a good chunk of the season.
"Actually, I did," Mitchell revealed.
When asked if it was a serious procedure, he responded, "No, not at all. Just a little clean-up."
Now, Mitchell can focus on 2022 and his sophomore campaign. He has previously said he would like to focus on becoming a more significant contributor in the passing game. But he actually wants to focus on all aspects of his play.
"Really, just to improve on everything, on things that I need to work with," Mitchell said. "Really to just build on what I did last year, and just to become that perfect back."
The 49ers' performance this season has led to significant emotional reactions, particularly among fans and some media personalities who are suggesting that the team should part ways with Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy.
Let's clarify: the 49ers are not moving on from Shanahan....
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
By Marc Adams
Dec 11
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their...
49ers' Kyle Shanahan expects Isaac Guerendo to "play like a starting running back"
By Marc Adams
Dec 7
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and the starting running back for the 49ers will be the player who was their fourth-string running back going into training camp—rookie Isaac Guerendo. This will be the rookie's first NFL start, but he has...
49ers Notebook: Brock Purdy rebounds, appreciates crowd support; Kittle's big day; Backup running backs deliver; Welcome back Huf
By Kirk Larrabee
Dec 8
Sunday's performance against the Chicago Bears by the San Francisco 49ers wasn't something that most people saw coming based on the team's recent results, but it was indeed sorely needed after what happened the past three weeks.
The 49ers entered the game on a three-game...
