49ers inactives vs. Falcons: Jeff Wilson to see a heavy load

The 49ers will be without running back Elijah Mitchell in Week 15 versus the Falcons, meaning Jeff Wilson will likely be the team’s starter on the ground.

Ideally, the San Francisco 49ers would be truly at full strength for their Week 15 home game against the 6-7 Atlanta Falcons.

At this time of the year, though, that’s a pipe dream. Although the Niners are experiencing a better run of health at this point in 2021 than they did a year ago, which is a good thing in terms of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s playoff prospects.

Nevertheless, Shanahan will be without his starting running back for Week 15, rookie Elijah Mitchell, who was ruled out and will be inactive after suffering a concussion during San Francisco’s Week 13 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks, subsequently missing Week 14 at the Cincinnati Bengals, too.

Mitchell has been a surprising find but has also dealt with a number of injuries his first year as a pro, and he found himself again populating the list of 49ers inactives.

49ers inactives for Week 15 vs. Falcons

Mitchell has played in nine of the soon-to-be 14 games from the Niners this season, and he’s joined by a number of players who have found themselves inactive over the course of the year.

San Francisco won’t be dressing the following players:

• RB Elijah Mitchell
• LB Dre Greenlaw
• OL Colton McKivitz
• LB Azeez Al-Shaair
• DL Maurice Hurst

Linebacker could still be a bit sticky for the 49ers, too, with Al-Shaair (shoulder) and Greenlaw (groin) out, meaning a combination of Marcell Harris and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles will be tasked with lining up alongside All-Pro Fred Warner versus Atlanta.

Jeff Wilson likely to start at running back for 49ers

Mitchell’s absence last week prompted Shanahan to insert veteran rusher Jeff Wilson Jr. into the fray as the Niners’ starter last week, and he churned out 56 rush yards on 13 carries in his first start of the year.

Read More: 49ers vs. Falcons: Week 15 injury report, betting odds and how to watch

San Francisco is also without fellow rookie running back Trey Sermon (ankle), meaning the only other healthy halfback on the roster behind Wilson is second-year pro JaMycal Hasty.

Although it wouldn’t be shocking to see the 49ers use wide receiver Deebo Samuel as a runner, as they’ve done frequently this season.

The Niners and Falcons kick off on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium.