Is Mitchell at a place where he can handle a full workload? That question was presented to head coach Kyle Shanahan after Friday's practice.
"I hope so," Shanahan responded. "You hope a running back can always handle a full workload. He's looked good these two weeks in these practices that we've had. He's 100 percent. We'll see how it goes with that, though."
The 49ers have four running backs on the roster. Besides Mitchell and veteran Jeff Wilson, the team has rookies Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason. With poor weather expected on Sunday, could the two first-year players both be active in Chicago?
"Those guys are battling," Shanahan said. "We could possibly get four up, but a lot goes into this stuff. It's not just about carrying the ball. Rarely do three guys always get the ball in a game, but we use three somehow.
"I'm sure we had four up at some time, so we'll see who our final guys are up on Sunday. Those guys have been battling all week and doing a good job in the run game, and they're both getting better on special teams."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan hopeful Brock Purdy won't miss time amid 49ers contract talks
The San Francisco 49ers are working to finalize a contract extension with quarterback Brock Purdy, aiming to get a deal done sooner rather than later. However, if negotiations stall, they could stretch into the offseason program, raising the question: Would Purdy hold... -
Kyle Shanahan: 49ers will add veteran kicker to compete with Jake Moody
Kicker Jake Moody struggled in his second NFL season, converting just 24 of 34 field goal attempts. His inconsistency likely cost the San Francisco 49ers key victories and frustrated fans. All of Moody's missed field goals came from 40 yards or longer, with most occurring... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan excited to work with Mac Jones
Mac Jones once believed he might start his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers as the third overall pick in 2021. Many analysts predicted the team would select him. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was a fan of Jones and later admitted that the decision ultimately came down to... -
Kyle Shanahan: Too early for 49ers to set timeline on Brandon Aiyuk's return
Brandon Aiyuk isn't expected to be ready when the San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2025 season. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a mid-season return seems more realistic, though the 49ers haven't ruled out the possibility of an earlier comeback. Aiyuk suffered a torn ACL and...