49ers NFC Championship game inactives: Elijah Mitchell won’t play

The 49ers need their ground game to perform in the NFC Championship against the Eagles, but that’ll be difficult with Elijah Mitchell injured and not in the lineup.

The San Francisco 49ers might be able to pull off an upset over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship if they’re able to run the ball effectively.

After all, to offset the best offense in the conference, the Niners will want to maintain possession by running the ball well. And, considering Philly allowed an average of 4.6 yards per rush during the regular season, it might be a vulnerability for head coach Kyle Shanahan to exploit.

However, that’ll be a lot tougher with one of San Francisco’s better offensive weapons on the sideline, running back Elijah Mitchell.

Mitchell, who suffered a groin injury during the 49ers’ divisional-round win over the Dallas Cowboys last weekend, was listed as questionable ahead of the penultimate game of the season.

Along with the Niners’ NFC Championship game inactives, Mitchell won’t be able to play when both teams kick off from Lincoln Financial Field with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

This points to San Francisco’s No. 1 weapon on the ground, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, receiving a hefty dose of carries, while fellow All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel should be expected to see a lot of touches, too, with Mitchell not in the picture.

49ers inactives vs. Eagles in NFC Championship game

Including Mitchell, the 49ers listed the following players as inactive for Sunday’s tilt versus Philly:

• QB Jimmy Garoppolo
• RB Elijah Mitchell
• RB Tyrion Davis-Price
• TE Ross Dwelley
• OL Nick Zakelj
• DE Drake Jackson
• CB Ambry Thomas

Read More: How to watch 49ers vs. Eagles in NFC Championship game

Thomas was dealing with ankle issues prior to the game, so he’s in a similar situation as Mitchell.

With both Davis-Price and Jackson inactive, though, the Niners’ biggest investments in the 2022 NFL Draft aren’t exactly looking too solid at the moment.

That matters little with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, however, and Shanahan will continue to put the players who ultimately help and contribute the most on the field.

San Francisco kicks off against Philadelphia on Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. ET.