Elijah Mitchell listed as doubtful for SNF in Week 3

Friday PM update: Mitchell is doubtful to play, per the injury report. The good news for the 49ers is that Trey Sermon has been cleared and should be able to start in Week 3.

Friday afternoon update: Elijah Mitchell returned to practice on Friday, per David Lombardi. He’ll likely be limited and questionable, but this is a good sign.

Friday update: 49ers GM John Lynch labeled running back Elijah Mitchell as “very questionable for Sunday, per Can Inman. That doesn’t sound promising. Trey Sermon and new back Jacques Patrick look like they may be the one-two punch if Serman can be cleared of his concussion.

Thursday update: Elijah Mitchell has yet to practice this week with his shoulder injury, per Matt Barrows. The 49ers running back room is a mess, and Trey Sermon, who is dealing with a concussion, might be the leader of the pack this week. Sermon has two limited practices, so it appears he must be close to being cleared of his concussion. We’ll see if Mitchell can practice on Frida.

The San Francisco 49ers are hurting at running back, as their lead back Elijah Mitchell won’t practice on Wednesday, per The Athletic’s David Lombardi. The silver lining is that Mitchell was able to return on Sunday after suffering his shoulder injury and coach Kyle Shanahan said he “has a chance to go on Sunday.”

Mitchell hasn’t put up great numbers as the lead back, with the bulk of his fantasy points coming off one touchdown run, but he’s still in a strong position to lead the backfield again this week against the Packers. His two main backups are hurt, as Jamycal Hasty won’t play and Trey Sermon is dealing with a concussion.

Fantasy football implications

Mitchell will more than likely be a start in most leagues. The 49ers schemes are great for any running back and with Hasty out, Mitchell could even see more work as a receiver. His upside might not be what we’d like, but I don’t see any reason not to start him in Week 3.