placeholder image

Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports


Kyle Shanahan expects Jeff Wilson, 49ers’ rookie RBs to step up with Elijah Mitchell sidelined

Sep 17, 2022 at 4:03 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
It was a tough break for San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell. After dealing with an injury-plagued rookie campaign in 2021, the second-year player suffered an MCL sprain against the Chicago Bears last weekend.

Mitchell was lucky that was all the injury was. The way he got hurt, some feared the worst. It wasn't season-ending, but Mitchell will still miss about two months.

As one might expect, the injury was emotional for Mitchell. He was eager to put his injuries behind him and prove his worth in 2022.

"He was ready to go," head coach Kyle Shanahan shared with NBC Sports Bay Area this week. "Everyone could see that early in the game. I mean, if he would have stayed in that game and stayed healthy, I wouldn't have put 200 yards out of the question for him. He was going to have a day.

"It was real unfortunate for him. He was just hoping that he didn't get hurt, so he stayed in about five more plays, but it was sad for him. He's going to bounce back. It could have been worse. We're lucky it wasn't an ACL thing, but real tough to lose him.

"Everyone knows how good he was last year, and I believe he was going to be even better this year. But we've got to make sure when he comes back, we've got a reason for him to come back and play good for us."



In Mitchell's absence, Jeff Wilson Jr. filled in as the featured back against the Bears. He finished the game with just 22 yards on nine carries, albeit in some challenging conditions. The contest was played in monsoon-like conditions that seemed to worsen as the game progressed. The footing was an issue for players.

Shanahan has a lot of confidence in his fifth-year running back, the seasoned veteran of the group.

"Jeff's done a really good job," the coach said. "He struggled last year, as everyone knows, because he got about a week of practice in about a year (Wilson started the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list) before he got thrown into the heat. This year, he had a great offseason, totally healthy, back to being Jeff.

"But his role picks up, and we want to make sure not to put too much on him because when that happens, he does wear down a little bit. Jeff will do everything. Fullback, halfback, running the ball, catching the ball."

Wilson won't have to carry the load alone, though. The 49ers have two capable rookie running backs in third-round draft pick Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason, who was signed as an undrafted free agent. Mitchell's injury will thrust them into bigger roles earlier than anticipated.

"We've got two young guys behind [Wilson] that we need their help," Shanahan shared. "I was hoping to give them a little bit more time to kind of get their feet wet. Losing Elijah, these guys got to step it up, and come in, and help Jeff out."

The 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Levi's Stadium.



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Andy Reid praises 49ers' Brock Purdy, has advice for Kyle Shanahan

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

Super Bowl-winning head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs witnessed all he needed from Brock Purdy last season to assure him that the San Francisco 49ers are in capable hands at the quarterback position. Purdy was an MVP nominee in 2023 and had his 49ers just a play or two away from clinching a Super Bowl victory away from the Chiefs. Unfortunately, for Purdy and the 49ers, Reid and his own quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the best in the game today, dashed their Super Bowl dreams in overtime last month. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, speaking at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, Reid stated, "Yeah, I


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan: 49ers hope to keep Brandon Aiyuk, Brock Purdy together

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

Last week, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan ran into his wide receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, while on vacation in Cabo San Lucas. "He was randomly at our hotel. I don't think he wanted to be," the coach shared on Tuesday while speaking to reporters at the NFL owners meetings. The 49ers are currently negotiating a long-term extension with Aiyuk to ensure he remains with the team for the foreseeable future. However, with it only being March, it's challenging to predict how everything will unfold. Typically, under the leadership of Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, the 49ers have reached agreements with their star players closer to training camp in July. Lynch stated yesterday that the


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan explains why 49ers promoted Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator

By David Bonilla
Mar 26

After Steve Wilks's dismissal, the San Francisco 49ers had several options for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Although former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley was considered for the role, he ultimately joined the coaching staff as the assistant head coach under head coach Kyle Shanahan. He will focus on game plan preparations while offering his experience to the team. Nick Sorensen, the team's defensive pass game specialist, was awarded the defensive coordinator position. Shanahan opted for an internal candidate, valuing Sorensen's familiarity with the staff and the defensive system. When asked what qualities Sorensen demonstrated to prove he's ready to call plays for the defense, Shanahan explained, "He's worked with a lot of people


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan's insights on 49ers QB Brock Purdy's rise

By David Bonilla
19 hrs

In addition to discussing his quarterback, Brock Purdy, with reporters on Tuesday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan also sat down with NFL Network's Steve Wyche during the NFL owners meetings. Purdy's NFL journey has been captivating. The quarterback embarked on his professional career buried on the 49ers' depth chart after being selected with the final overall draft pick in 2022. His opportunity to showcase his ability to play in the NFL came only after the team suffered injuries to two quarterbacks. Purdy flourished, leading the team to the NFC Championship Game during his rookie season and to the Super Bowl last season. His rise underscores the


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone