Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers acknowledges error in deploying Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell – NBC Sports activities Bay Space & California.

It was a typical prevalence for the 49ers to closely depend on rookie operating again Elijah Mitchell in 2021. Nevertheless, with the addition of Christian McCaffrey to the workforce, Mitchell is struggling to see any taking part in time.

Through the 49ers’ latest victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell was considered one of 4 energetic and wholesome gamers who didn’t get on the sector. In distinction, McCaffrey performed each offensive snap for the workforce. Coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that the workforce made a mistake with their operating again rotation and acknowledged the necessity to contain Mitchell extra.

McCaffrey at the moment leads the NFL in speeding makes an attempt and yards via two weeks of the season. Within the Week 1 win in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he rushed for 152 yards whereas Mitchell solely performed 10 snaps.

Shanahan talked about that the duty for substitutions typically lies with the place coaches, whereas his major focus is on play-calling. Nevertheless, he additionally acknowledged that he ought to have seen and requested Mitchell’s involvement.

Throughout his rookie season, Mitchell battled accidents however carried a heavy workload when he was on the sector. In his final 5 common season video games, he had two video games with 27 speeding makes an attempt and three video games with at the very least 21 carries. He additionally had 27 carries within the 49ers’ playoff-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Mitchell’s taking part in time considerably diminished with the arrival of McCaffrey in the midst of final season. Whereas McCaffrey is taken into account among the finest operating backs within the league, it doesn’t imply that Mitchell shouldn’t have any function within the 49ers’ offense.