For the second week in a row, the San Francisco 49ers will be without rookie running back and leading rusher Elijah Mitchell.
Mitchell suffered a concussion and a knee injury in the 49ers week 13 loss to Seattle and has been limited to working on a side field with a trainer during practice the last two weeks.
In Mitchell’s absence, the 49ers will again turn to Jeff Wilson Jr. and Deebo Samuel to carry the load for the running game. Last week in Cincinnati, the duo was able to gain 93 yards on 21 rushing attempts, including a 27-yard bolt of lightning down the right sideline from Samuel for a touchdown.
With Cincinnati focused on stopping the run during early downs, Kyle Shanahan countered by using several quick screens and roll outs. These short passes acted like extended handoffs, and Jimmy Garoppolo completed 14 of 15 attempts for 157 yards and two touchdowns.
Expect a similar strategy on Sunday if the 49ers are unable to find success on the ground early in the game.
Azeez Al-Shaair suffered an elbow strain against Cincinnati and has been ruled doubtful to play against Atlanta on Sunday. Al-Shaair did not participate in practice this week, and no 49ers player listed as doubtful on Friday has gone on to play in the game.
The loss of Al-Shaair could create problems in the 49ers pass coverage this week. Atlanta’s top two receivers are rookie tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver/running back Cordarrelle Patterson.
San Francisco will need a big game from Fred Warner and Marcell Harris to slow the duo down.
Don’t be surprised if you see Jimmie Ward lined up on Pitts in coverage as well. The veteran safety takes pride in shutting down opposing tight ends, and this could be a good time for him to show his value once again.
Notes:
> Dre Greenlaw and Maurice Hurst will join Mitchell on the sideline Sunday. D.J. Jones, Jaquiski Tartt and Ambry Thomas are all listed as questionable but are expected to play.
> Dontae Johnson returned to practice on Friday after taking some time away from the team to grieve the loss of his mother. Kyle Shanahan stated he expects Johnson to be ready to play on Sunday.
> Atlanta will be without its third leading tackler, safety Erik Harris.
