49ers fan-favorite called 'surprise cut candidate' with decision looming

Training camp quickly is approaching.

There still are plenty of players looking for opportunities in free agency and the San Francisco 49ers certainly could make another move or two in the near future.

While this is the case, no matter what San Francisco does over the next few weeks, it will have to trim down the roster in training camp. Every team will have to do so and there will be some tough decisions that need to be made.

A to Z Sports attempted to put together a list of "surprise cut candidates" for each team and Nicholas McGee mentioned running back Elijah Mitchell as an option.

"It wasn't that long ago that Mitchell was bursting onto the scene as a rookie sixth-round pick in 2021, a season he ended as the 49ers' leading rusher, falling narrowly shy of 1,000 yards despite playing only 11 games due to injury," McGee said. "Unfortunately for Mitchell, injuries have continued to be a problem throughout his career, and, with Christian McCaffrey now the undisputed workhorse of the backfield, he has been left fighting for very minimal carries.

"When healthy, Mitchell has served as a nice complement to McCaffrey and scored the decisive touchdown in the 49ers' NFC Championship Game comeback against the (Detroit Lions). However, with no guaranteed money remaining on the final year of his contract and San Francisco adding three running backs this offseason — including trading two fifth-round picks to move up for Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round of the draft — Mitchell could find himself in huge trouble if the new boys impress."

Mitchell has been great when healthy and given an opportunity. While this is the case, it sounds like he may not be with the team for much longer.

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