49ers inactives vs. Chargers: Elijah Mitchell back from injury

The 49ers injury list for Sunday Night Football in Week 10 is notably small, meaning there are reinforcements back against the Chargers, including Elijah Mitchell.

The context of the San Francisco 49ers’ running back room couldn’t have changed much more than what transpired from Week 1 when then-starting tailback Elijah Mitchell suffered an MCL sprain through to his return from injured reserve, Week 10 on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers.

For starters, Mitchell is no longer the No. 1 option on the ground for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s team. That role goes to the All-Pro, Christian McCaffrey, who was still with the Carolina Panthers when Mitchell suffered his injury.

On top of that, Mitchell’s primary backup, Jeff Wilson Jr., has subsequently been dealt to the Miami Dolphins.

At least Mitchell is back, though, and McCaffrey’s presence should serve to keep the second-year pro healthy for the second half of the season. And while the Niners lost veteran cornerback Jason Verrett to a season-ending Achilles tear during practice, they were at least able to activate Mitchell, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, offensive lineman Colton McKivitz and defensive end Jordan Willis off IR in advance of Sunday’s game.

49ers inactives for Sunday Night Football vs. Chargers

Mitchell was cleared to play and will likely suit up as the No. 2 behind McCaffrey in support of San Francisco’s ground game.

The 49ers won’t, however, suit up the following players against the Bolts on Sunday night:

• DL Arik Armstead
• OL Nick Zakelj
• EDGE Kemoko Turay
• LB Curtis Robinson
• RB Tyrion Davis-Price
• EDGE Samson Ebukam

Armstead, who has been out with a foot and ankle injury since Week 3, misses another week but will hopefully return for the 49ers’ Week 11 game in Mexico City against the Arizona Cardinals.

Read More: 49ers vs. Chargers: Week 10 betting odds, injuries and how to watch

Losing Ebukam, who was doubtful with an Achilles injury, will test a Niners pass rush against a Chargers offensive line that has surrendered a mere 10 sacks to quarterback Justin Herbert this season.

San Francisco and Los Angeles kick off against each other on Sunday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. ET on Nov. 13 from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.