Options for 49ers to replace Elijah Mitchell at RB

The San Francisco 49ers' 13-0 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday came at a cost, with RB Elijah Mitchell suffering a sprained MCL that will sideline him for the remainder of the regular season.

In the three-game stretch since he returned from IR, Mitchell rushed 34 times for 183 yards. 

While RB Christian McCaffrey is more than capable of replacing most of Mitchell's touches, he may be limited for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins due to knee irritation.

With Mitchell out for an extended period, here are the 49ers' top options to replace his production in the backfield.

Jordan Mason

After Mitchell was removed from Sunday's game, Mason closed the victory with four carries and two first-down runs on the final drive. In total, Mason tallied five rushes for 25 yards against the Saints, setting career highs in both categories.

The rookie running back from Georgia Tech has contributed on special teams throughout the season, but he could get more snaps at running back.

Tyrion Davis-Price

Another rookie running back may emerge as a force for San Francisco down the stretch. 

During Mitchell's initial stint on IR, Davis-Price got 14 carries in the 49ers' Week 2 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, and he also received limited work in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last month.

Davis-Price missed multiple weeks earlier this season with a high ankle sprain, but now that he's healthy, the third-round draft pick from LSU should play a factor against Miami.

Tevin Coleman

Currently on the 49ers' practice squad, Coleman would be the likely candidate for promotion to the active roster should the team elect to place Mitchell on IR. 

Coleman provides a veteran presence in San Francisco's backfield, and his dual-threat value was on display during the team's Week 5 win at the Carolina Panthers. He rushed for 23 yards and a touchdown on eight carries and caught three passes for 44 yards and another TD.

In his third year with the 49ers, Coleman is the most experienced option to spell Mitchell during his absence.