49ers' Mitchell to miss 8 weeks with sprained MCL

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell will be out approximately eight weeks after suffering a sprained MCL in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows.

The injury will not require surgery, Shanahan adds.

Mitchell rushed for 41 yards on six carries before being ruled out of the remainder of the 19-10 loss to Chicago. He was spotted wearing a brace over his right leg postgame, according to NBC Sports' Jennifer Lee Chan.

With the 24-year-old sidelined, Jeff Wilson Jr. is expected to take over as the team's lead back. Wilson averaged 2.4 yards per carry on nine attempts in Sunday's game. Quarterback Trey Lance finished the matchup as the 49ers' leading rusher with 54 yards, followed by Deebo Samuel with 52 yards.

Mitchell ended last season as the 49ers' top rusher after notching 963 yards in 11 games.

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