Elijah Mitchell missed last weekend's game against the Green Bay Packers due to a shoulder injury sustained during Week 2. The hope was that the rookie running back would only have to miss the one game, but he is listed as "questionable" for Sunday's NFC West clash with the Seattle Seahawks.
Mitchell has been limited in practice all week while wearing a blue no-contact jersey. Right now, it seems to be more of a question of how much the running back can endure.
"Yeah, it's just a pain thing," head coach Kyle Shanahan explained. "I can tell you guys right now, I don't question his pain tolerance. The fact that it's taking a while means there's a lot of pain in there. If he can go and take it, that will be pretty impressive.
"Each day helps a little bit more. I think it's taking a lot longer than he was hoping, but he's been able to do a little bit more this week than he was last week. And with our situation, I'll give him as long as he needs and as long as we have."
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The 49ers listed cornerback Josh Norman as "doubtful" for Sunday's game. He has not practiced this week after suffering a lung contusion against the Green Bay Packers. There was hope that the defender might be available against the Seahawks, and he has shown improvement throughout the week.
Still, there is one last hurdle for Norman to overcome. He has to pass a medical test that checks for fluid in his lungs. Finding that would keep him out of Sunday's game.
"They've just got to make sure that's all out completely," Shanahan said. "I know he's feeling a lot better, but they've got to make sure the tests show that."
Norman will undergo the test tomorrow afternoon.
"A lot's going to be how Josh feels, but regardless of that, it doesn't matter if he doesn't pass the testing," Shanahan added.