Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers acknowledges mishandling Christian McCaffrey-Elijah Mitchell’s utilization.

Through his rookie season in 2021, operating back Elijah Mitchell was often relied upon by the 49ers. Nevertheless, with the addition of Christian McCaffrey to the group, Mitchell is discovering it challenging to even get on the field. In the current 30-23 victory more than the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell was one particular of 4 active and healthier players who did not see any action. In contrast, McCaffrey played every single offensive snap for the 49ers. Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that the group produced a error by not rotating the operating backs and expressed the need to have to give Mitchell much more playing time.

McCaffrey at present leads the NFL in rushing attempts and yards by way of two weeks, emphasizing his significance to the group. In the Week 1 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCaffrey rushed for 152 yards when Mitchell only played ten snaps. Shanahan explained that the duty for substitutions generally falls on the position coaches, with his concentrate mainly on play-calling. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that he ought to have noticed Mitchell’s lack of playing time and advocated for his inclusion.

In spite of battling injuries throughout his rookie season, Mitchell emerged as a important contributor when he was on the field. In his final 5 typical season games, he had numerous games with more than 20 rushing attempts and carried the ball 27 instances in the 49ers’ playoff-opening win more than the Dallas Cowboys. Nevertheless, Mitchell’s playing time decreased substantially soon after McCaffrey joined the group mid-season.

Though McCaffrey is undoubtedly a top rated operating back in the league, Mitchell nevertheless deserves a function in the 49ers’ offense. Shanahan recognized the need to have to rectify the lack of rotation and assure that Mitchell receives much more playing time in the future.