49ers rookie running back Elijah Mitchell earned his first weekly award in Week 8 when he was voted the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week.
The 2021 sixth-round pick sliced through the Bears defense to the tune of 137 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He had five carries of more than 10 yards, and three of those went for 27-plus. It was a dominant outing for a player who’s carved out a role as San Francisco’s clear No. 1 running back.
Because he won the FedEX Ground NFL Player of the Week award, FedEx is going to donate $2,000 in Mitchell’s name to a Historically Black College or University. That $2,000 will. be put toward needs-based scholarships to HBCU students.
This is the first such award or Mitchell, but it won’t be his last if he continues churning out production at this rate. He’s on pace to rush for 1,300 yards and he’s going at 5.3 yards per carry.
Mitchell is the second offensive player for San Francisco to win an award for their Week 8 performance. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
