Activating him from injured reserve Saturday, running back Elijah Mitchell is officially playing in the regular season finale for the San Francisco 49ers.

Mitchell has been off the field most of the year, dealing with two separate MCL sprains in both of his knees. His latest ailment happened Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, rushing seven carries for 35 yards before disappearing in the second half. His first MCL sprain happened Week 1 in Chicago against the Bears.

Now finally healthy, Mitchell is fresh going into Week 18, only his fifth game this season. He’ll be looking to knock some rust off against the Arizona Cardinals before the postseason starts.

Also joining Mitchell back on the field is wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Samuel has rehabbing ankle and knee injuries since being carted off Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Initially feared to be a season-ender, the 49ers and Deebo alike were relived that the diagnosis was short-term.

“I thought I was done,” Samuel told reporters earlier in the week.

RB Christian McCaffrey will also play in the regular-season finale after missing practice Wednesday and Thursday out of precaution for his ankle and knee issues. It remains to be seen how much all three will play Week 18, especially with the one-seed still in play.

“I mean, they’ll be up. They’ll be playing,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday about all three players.

Defensive tackles Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw will also play Week 18, both battling non-COVID illnesses that have swept through the organization the last few weeks.

49ers Inactives

QB Jimmy Garoppolo

TE Ross Dwelley

G Aaron Banks

LB Dre Greenlaw

DE Drake Jackson

DT Kevin Givens

CB Ambry Thomas

Follow @AmilianoFragoso

Newsletter