Is Elijah Mitchell A Good Fantasy Football Pickup for Week 7? Waiver Wire Outlook

Star running back Christian McCaffery (oblique) left Sunday's loss against the Browns, and his status is uncertain for the next few weeks.

Backup running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) returned to action in Week 6 and could be in line for more touches if McCaffery misses any time.

Mitchell hasn't seen much action this season but has been highly effective over the last couple of seasons when he's been the featured back. Should you consider picking him up in your fantasy leagues?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

What Did Elijah Mitchell Do In Week 6?

In his first game back in action since Week 3, Mitchell wasn't heavily involved in the 49ers' game plan. He saw just seven snaps and received only two touches on the ground.

The Louisiana-Lafayette alumni ended the game with -3 yards on two attempts and didn't have any targets or even run any routes. It's likely that the 49ers were being cautious to prevent reinjury in his first game back.

In 2021, Mitchell was the workhorse for the team, recording five games with 20 or more carries and having at least 17 rushing attempts in all but two games he played that year.

Were There Any Worrying Signs With Elijah Mitchell In Week 6?

On Sunday, Jordan Mason out-snapped Mitchell 15 to seven and had three more touches, one of which resulted in a touchdown.

Mason has accumulated just 18 rushing attempts for 49 yards and four receptions for two yards over the season. Injuries have been a significant factor in these statistics, and Mitchell is likely to assume a more substantial role if McCaffery is sidelined.

If Mitchell can complete a full week of practice with no limitations, it's reasonable to expect that Kyle Shanahan may increase his playing time, even if McCaffery is healthy.

Should I Pick Up Elijah Mitchell Off the Waiver Wire?

The 49ers rank sixth in rush EPA/play this season, which has been a consistent trend under Shanahan's coaching. While McCaffery undoubtedly elevates this rushing attack, many running backs have found success behind the 49ers' offensive line in this system.

Considering this, the 49ers' running back is arguably the highest-upside handcuff in the league right now. If McCaffery misses any time, he's poised to assume a significant workload and step into a system where he has excelled.

Given McCaffery's oblique injury, Mitchell is likely to be a top priority on waiver wires this week. If he's still available in your leagues, put in a claim for him.

More Fantasy Football Analysis