Elijah Mitchell out for Week 15 with knee injury

Friday PM update take two: Mitchell is out, but head coach Kyle Shanahan says it is due to his knee injury, as he should be cleared from concussion protocol on Saturday, per Keina Martin. They play on Thursday in Week 16, so Mitchell is going to be iffy to play then as well.

Friday PM update: Mitchell is officially out. Jeff Wilson should see the lead running back work against the Falcons.

Friday update: Mitchell was once again not practicing on Friday, per Cam Inman.

Thursday update: Mitchell didn’t practice on Thursday, but he was able to work on the side with trainers, per Nick Wagoner. That doesn’t put him on track to play this week, but is a positive sign at least.

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell won’t practice on Wednesday, per Eric Branch. Mitchell didn’t practice last week and was out with a concussion. This week isn’t starting any better. He will most-likely need to get some work in on Thursday to have a chance to be cleared for their matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

Mitchell has been the lead running back for Kyle Shanahan’s team for most of the season and when he returns, would slot right back into that role. Last week with Mitchell out, Jeff Wilson led the way, rushing 13 times for 58 yards, while JaMycal Hasty served as the receiving back. We would likely see a similar break down if Mitchell misses again this week.

Fantasy football implications

If Mitchell can get cleared this week, he makes for a fine start against the weak Falcons defense. If he can’t go, Wilson becomes a decent fantasy start, but not quite as a good as Mitchell.