5 dark-horse 49ers who could slip into Pro Bowl voting in 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers Dark-Horse Pro Bowler No. 2: Running Back Elijah Mitchell
If there’s one glaring reason why rookie running back Elijah Mitchell won’t get in the Pro Bowl this season, it’s because he’s dealt with a number of injuries that have held him out of four of the 13 games San Francisco has played this season.
Still, only a handful of fans and analysts predicted Mitchell, a sixth-round pick of this year’s NFL Draft, would have the kind of impact he’s had thus far.
Taking over the starting job after veteran runner Raheem Mostert was lost to a season-ending knee injury way back in Week 1, Mitchell’s Mostert-like speed has been something to watch, going along with his decisive cutback and gap-attacking prowess that makes him look far more polished as a runner.
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Despite the injuries, Mitchell already has 759 yards rushing with five touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt, and he’s added 126 yards through the air, too.
But what could make him a Pro Bowl candidate is the fact he set a new franchise record for most 100-yard rushing games in his rookie year with four. And if he’s able to return later this season after suffering a concussion in Week 13, there’s a chance he’ll add to that tally.
Which should help him in Pro Bowl alternate consideration.