On Tuesday, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that rookie running back Elijah Mitchell was undergoing a procedure to repair a finger fracture sustained in the team's Week 10 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. However, the coach wasn't eliminating the possibility that Mitchell, the 49ers' leading rusher, might play this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars or even practice today.
Shanahan told reporters today that Mitchell will not take part in the first practice of the week, but the coach believes he will be good for Sunday's game.
"He just had [the procedure] yesterday," Shanahan said. "Today, he's not good enough to practice. I think he'll go Sunday, but we've got to see day to day."
Jeff Wilson Jr., Trenton Cannon, and another rookie, Trey Sermon, are the healthy available running backs. JaMycal Hasty was inactive against the Rams due to an ankle injury. He will not practice today.
Shanahan also revealed that the 49ers are opening the practice windows for linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Jaquiski Tartt. Greenlaw landed on injured reserve on September 18 due to a core muscle injury. Tartt landed on injured reserve on October 30 due to a knee injury. Shanahan is hopeful both will be available against the Jaguars.
The 49ers coach added that Tartt doesn't automatically start immediately if he is available. Both Talanoa Hufanga and Tartt may play on Sunday.
"I like Huf a lot," Shanahan said. "I think he's played well. No, Tartt doesn't automatically get the starting position. We're not sitting here trying to replace Tartt either. I think Tartt's played at a high level for us for a number of years. He can do a bunch of things. But even before he got hurt, we were trying to get Huf in there too because of what Huf has brought to the table.
"We'll see how the week goes this week. I've got to see where Tartt's at. But I expect them both to play if Tartt's healthy."
Rookie offensive lineman Jaylon Moore, who left Sunday's game with a knee injury and did not return, will practice today but be limited. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shin) and cornerback Josh Norman (ribs) will also be limited.
San Francisco looks to build upon its momentum and seeks to improve its record to 5-5 with a win against the Jaguars.
