49ers positives from win vs. Seahawks despite Trey Lance injury
By Peter Panacy
Positive No. 3: 49ers run game can get by without Elijah Mitchell
San Francisco suffered a serious blow when it lost No. 1 running back Elijah Mitchell to a serious knee injury back in Week 1’s loss to the Bears.
With Mitchell out for a couple of months, there was understandable concern the 49ers would be hard-pressed filtering in some of their backups, namely Jeff Wilson Jr. and Tyrion Davis-Price, the latter being inactive for that season-opening contest.
The rookie managed to impress enough with 33 yards on 14 carries, including a solid 20-yard scamper. But it was Wilson who shouldered the biggest load, rushing for 84 yards on 18 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards in the process, while also adding two catches for 19 yards.
And while Seattle’s defense isn’t exactly going to be its strong suit this season, getting solid production from this tandem sure bodes well in Mitchell’s absence.
Not to be outdone, “wide back” Deebo Samuel tacked on 53 yards on four rushing attempts, including a couple of rushes where it appeared he’d be tackled behind the line of scrimmage.
Mitchell ideally plays a major role this season, yes, but the 49ers showed they’re more than capable of getting by without him in the meantime.