With Elijah Mitchell sidelined with an MCL sprain since Week 1, the San Francisco 49ers have tasked Jeff Wilson Jr. with leading their rushing attack. The fifth-year running back has 375 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 74 carries. He ranks ninth in the NFL in rushing yards, and his 5.1 yards per carry ranks ninth in the league among running backs with at least 50 attempts.
The injury-plagued 49ers could be getting Mitchell back soon, potentially creating a devastating one-two punch coming out of the backfield.
"We're hoping to get him back after the bye week," head coach Kyle Shanahan told NBC Sports Bay Area this week. "From what I've heard, there's been no setbacks, so that would be huge for us."
That means Mitchell could be off the injured reserve list and suited up for the 49ers' November 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium.
Until then, Wilson will continue to punish opposing defenses. Tevin Coleman returned to the 49ers and had 67 all-purpose yards last weekend against the Carolina Panthers.
"Both those guys, we've been with them for a while," Shanahan said. "They have experience with us here. They know our coaches well. They know our players well. And they really are up for anything that we ask. And they go so hard. They give all they can. They're talented dudes who are fearless, and they never stop running."
Wilson may receive some additional support before Mitchell's return. Ty Davis-Price returned to practice this week after suffering a high-ankle sprain during Week 2. The rookie running back did not appear on Friday's injury list, meaning he is healthy and could be available on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
"We've had to hold it down while [Mitchell's been] gone," Shanahan said. "These guys have stepped it up. Ty Davis-Price has gotten back in practice this week, so it's been nice to get him back, and hopefully, we'll just keep getting everyone healthy."
The 49ers and Falcons will face off on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
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