The New England Patriots have officially released running back Elijah Mitchell, a move announced on Tuesday. Mitchell, who was a sixth-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, never played a regular-season game for the Patriots despite brief stints with the team.
Mitchell’s rookie season in 2021 was promising, as he amassed 1,100 yards from scrimmage in 11 games. However, his career took a sharp turn in Week 1 of the 2022 season when he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the year. His struggles with injuries continued in subsequent seasons.
In 2023, Mitchell missed additional time due to injuries, and he was placed on injured reserve for the entire 2024 season after suffering a hamstring injury. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs last year but played in just one game before being released.
Now, Mitchell faces an uncertain future in the NFL. While he may find a roster spot on a 90-player training camp roster, his chances of returning to regular-season play remain unclear. His career trajectory highlights the challenges many players face in overcoming injuries in professional football.