San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell injured his knee in a Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He missed multiple weeks with the injury and is still dealing with it throughout this week in practice. Will Mitchell play against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Conference Championship, and what can fantasy football managers expect from the San Francisco backfield in this game?
Elijah Mitchell’s 2021 production
Mitchell’s enjoyed an outstanding rookie season for the 49ers. He’s recorded 1,112 yards and 6 touchdowns on 251 carries through 13 games. He’s also added 23 receptions for 144 yards and 1 touchdown on 26 targets.
The sixth-round rookie burst onto the scene with 104 yards and 1 touchdown in a Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions. He missed some time early in the season, but he recorded 100+ yards in three of his first five games for San Francisco.
Mitchell wasn’t used as much of a receiving option early in the season, but he’s flashed in that aspect later in the year. His best game came against the Minnesota Vikings, as he recorded 5 receptions for 35 yards on 6 targets.
Mitchell’s also been featured in a massive role in the playoffs. Through two postseason games, he’s averaging 24 touches per game. While he hasn’t been an efficient option with those touches, he’ll continue to see elite volume for the 49ers.
How would Mitchell’s absence affect the 49ers’ offense?
Mitchell is a true workhorse running back for San Francisco. He plays the majority of the snaps at the position, although Deebo Samuel’s taken some of his work as a hybrid RB/WR. Still, the majority of the work goes to Mitchell.
If he were to miss this game, Samuel would likely see a larger role as a running back rather than as a wide receiver. He wouldn’t necessarily take over Mitchell’s role, but would likely see more opportunities.
Jeff Wilson Jr. would also take over in the backfield. He’s seen plenty of carries in games that Mitchell missed throughout the season, and he’d likely draw the start in this contest. JaMycal Hasty could also play a small role.
The 49ers could lean more on Jimmy Garoppolo and their passing game if Mitchell is out, as well. They don’t have anyone that can simply slide into his role, even with his recent efficiency struggles. San Francisco would likely be forced to change their game plan quite a bit, and it would start with Samuel.
Will Mitchell play this week vs. the Rams?
Mitchell has dealt with several injuries throughout his rookie season. The most prominent one for this game is a knee injury that he suffered in Week 13 against Seattle. He missed multiple weeks due to that injury but returned for a Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Mitchell was given the day off on Wednesday, as he recorded a DNP at practice. He saw a limited practice on Thursday before practicing in full on Friday. As a result, Mitchell isn’t on the injury report and will play this weekend.
Are fantasy points available vs. Los Angeles?
There are fantasy points available for Mitchell and company against the Rams. Los Angeles currently ranks 16th in the NFL in fantasy points allowed to running backs, as they’re giving up 16.5 fantasy points per game to the position.
Mitchell’s failed to produce at a high level against the Rams this season. In two games, he’s totaled 176 rushing yards on 48 carries. He hasn’t found the end zone or seen any targets in those games. Nevertheless, Mitchell will continue to make a volume option at running back. However, his efficiency issues in recent games are a bit of a concern for this matchup.