49ers running back Elijah Mitchell has consistently impressed when on the field. The problem in his NFL career has been staying on it.

Mitchell, the running back who emerged as sixth-round rookie in 2021, has played in just 16 games over his two seasons in the league due to injuries.

He was absent from the practice field on Thursday as the 49ers returned from their day off and, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, will be unavailable for at least a week.

Mitchell, Shanahan said, is dealing with an abductor strain. His absence will create more opportunities for Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price, both of whom have stood out in camp with strong showings.

It is a relatively minor injury and, given Mitchell's familiarity with the Shanahan offense, there is little harm in him being away from the practice field to allow it to heal.

But for a back whose career has been defined, in part, by his durability issues, it does not inspire confidence he will be able to stay healthy for a full 17-game season and form a running back tandem with Christian McCaffrey that has the potential to be the best in the NFL.

Among the #49ers missing today with updates from Kyle Shanahan on why:

RB Elijah Mitchell (abductor strain, will miss a week to a week and a half)

G Aaron Banks (concussion protocol)

OL Jon Feliciano (shoulder strain, back a couple of days)

OL Jaylon Moore (knee bone bruise)

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 3, 2023

McCaffrey also did not participate in practice, the 49ers' top running back getting a veterans rest day. Left tackle Trent Williams and linebacker Dre Greenlaw also had days off.

Starting left guard Aaron Banks is in the concussion protocol, Shanahan confirmed, while veteran backup offensive lineman Jon Feliciano has a shoulder injury.

There was good news for the offensive line, however, as Jaylon Moore's knee injury was confirmed as a bone bruise. 

It had looked more serious for Moore when he was taken away on a cart during Tuesday's practice, but the apparent leader in the clubhouse to be the 49ers' swing tackle was stood on the sideline on Thursday having avoided an injury that could have dealt a big blow to San Francisco's offensive line depth.

49ers Training Camp: Brock Purdy is stepping up his workload

The quarterback was back on the field on what was thought to be a day off.

Featured Image Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports