The Facts: When Raheem Mostert was lost for the season after carrying the ball two times in the 2021 season opener, the 49ers turned to Mitchell, who put together a strong rookie season, gaining 963 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards a carry. He ran the ball anywhere from 21 to 27 times in each of the final five regular-season games in which he played. Still, NBCSports.com's Matt Maiocco reports that HC Kyle Shanahan appears determined to deploy more of a backs-by-committee approach this season.

Diehards Line: Maiocco went on to explain there are legitimate concerns about Mitchell’s durability. He missed six games due to injuries. In the postseason, Mitchell saw his average drop to just 3.1 yards an attempt. He had a “clean-up” procedure on his knee after a season in which he missed time due to shoulder, ribs, finger and head injuries. Mitchell proved he can be a very good three-down back. The only question is whether he can withstand that kind of relentless punishment. At this point, Maiocco believes Jeff Wilson Jr. is behind Mitchell in the pecking order with Trey Sermon and rookie Tyrion Davis-Price behind Wilson.