SANTA CLARA – Seven seasons. Seven long seasons.
A 1,000-yard rusher used to be expected on the 49ers offense. From 1997-2014, the combination of Garrison Hearst, Charlie Garner, Kevan Barlow and Frank Gore gave the franchise a 1,000-yard rusher in 14 out of a possible 18 seasons.
Since 2014, though? No members in the 49ers’ four-digit rushing yard club. But if he can stay healthy, Elijah Mitchell looks primed to break the hex in 2022.
On draft night, few could have guessed that the fifth-rounder out of Louisiana would have had the biggest impact of any player in the 49ers’ 2021 rookie class. Despite appearing in just 11 games (10 starts) due to a variety of injuries, Mitchell racked up 963 yards and five touchdowns on an impressive 4.7 yards per carry.
Alas, he fell 37 yards short of that elusive 1,000-yard plateau, a goal he said he has his eyes on this year.
“It definitely is,” Mitchell said. “Every year you wanna build up every year you play.”
Mitchell has been hampered by a hamstring injury in training camp but said Wednesday, “I’m feeling good. I’m ready to go.” Last season, he dealt with shoulder, rib, finger, concussion and knee issues, so the 49ers will want to be cautious with his workload.
Mitchell stepped up big time once Raheem Mostert was lost for the season in Week 1 with a knee injury. Mitchell also outplayed fellow 2021 draftee Trey Sermon, as the third-round pick was recently placed on waivers by the 49ers and claimed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now Mitchell is the bellcow of the 49ers backfield and they’re expected to run the ball at a high rate with second-year quarterback Trey Lance at the controls. Mitchell is excited to see how the offense opens up with the dual-threat Lance running the show.
“Just Trey being able to run the ball, there’s so many weapons out there they won’t know what’s coming,” Mitchell said.” I’m excited for that.”
Mitchell admitted that it feels a bit different this season, knowing that he’s No. 1 on the depth chart.
“It’s different,” Mitchell said. “Last year, I did good. Every year you wanna keep building every year. I’m excited to see what it’s in store.”
The biggest issue for Mitchell might be his inexperienced offensive line, as left guard Aaron Banks, center Jake Brendel and right guard Spencer Burford are all unproven at the NFL level.
