Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell’s return is perfect timing for 49ers playoff run
Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell were back on the field for the 49ers Sunday
Despite many ups and downs, the San Francisco 49ers are having a season to remember. Their defense the best in the NFL (both in points per game allowed and yards per game), and their offense is a well-oiled machine — no doubt due to the rise of quarterback Brock Purdy and the addition of running back Christian McCaffrey.
But you’re only as good as your weakest link. Regardless of how your playmakers perform, it’s important to have viable depth to keep the ball moving.
When McCaffrey was traded to San Francisco just in time for their Week 7 showdown against the Kansas Chiefs, fans had one thing in mind: pairing him with Deebo Samuel is going to be explosive. They both have the same skillset, the same capability to run away with the game, and they both can carry an offense.
Kyle Shanahan confirms that Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel will play versus Cardinals
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 6, 2023
On the other hand, how dangerous would it be to opposing defenses to have a healthy Elijah Mitchell paired with McCaffrey week after week? Dealing with either of them when their legs are fresh is too much for any defense to handle.
Unfortunately, Mitchell was injured before McCaffrey’s arrival. He would later return but get injured again, and Deebo Samuel was hurt in Week 14.
Lucky for the 49ers, Samuel and Mitchell were cleared right before Week 18 to pay against the Arizona Cardinals.
Now it’s time for the playoffs.