Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers acknowledges error in deploying Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell – NBC Sports Bay Region & California.
It was a widespread occurrence for the 49ers to heavily rely on rookie operating back Elijah Mitchell in 2021. Having said that, with the addition of Christian McCaffrey to the group, Mitchell is struggling to see any playing time.
For the duration of the 49ers’ current victory more than the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell was a single of 4 active and wholesome players who did not get on the field. In contrast, McCaffrey played each offensive snap for the group. Coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that the group created a error with their operating back rotation and acknowledged the have to have to involve Mitchell additional.
McCaffrey at present leads the NFL in rushing attempts and yards by means of two weeks of the season. In the Week 1 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he rushed for 152 yards whilst Mitchell only played ten snaps.
Shanahan talked about that the duty for substitutions usually lies with the position coaches, whilst his main concentrate is on play-calling. Having said that, he also acknowledged that he really should have noticed and requested Mitchell’s involvement.
For the duration of his rookie season, Mitchell battled injuries but carried a heavy workload when he was on the field. In his final 5 frequent season games, he had two games with 27 rushing attempts and 3 games with at least 21 carries. He also had 27 carries in the 49ers’ playoff-opening win more than the Dallas Cowboys.
Mitchell’s playing time drastically diminished with the arrival of McCaffrey in the middle of final season. Although McCaffrey is deemed a single of the finest operating backs in the league, it does not imply that Mitchell really should have no part in the 49ers’ offense.
