The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with veteran running back Elijah Mitchell at the end of December, giving him a chance at a fresh start. Mitchell played only seven snaps while spending most of his time with the Chiefs on the practice squad. Releasing the playmaker left hope that perhaps he could find his way into a contributing role in the season's final weeks, leading to the New England Patriots signing Mitchell only days after his release.
While it was a practice squad deal, it appeared to be an upgrade based on the fact that Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson was dealing with an injury. There was seemingly a potential path to earning an active roster spot and getting some carries before the offseason. Instead, Henderson was able to quickly return, and the Pats turned to D'Ernest Johnson to handle garbage time carries in a 42-10 win over the New York Jets.
Elijah Mitchell Lands in Familiar Situation After Chiefs Divorce
Mitchell remained on the practice squad and appears to be stuck yet again in a familiar position. There has to be an understandable level of frustration when you consider past accomplishments. With the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 season, the veteran had over 900 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in what seemed to be a breakout season.
However, Mitchell has never come close to replicating these numbers since dealing with consistent injuries and simply not having the chance at starting reps. Still, it is frustrating that Mitchell was never given a true chance with the Chiefs when Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith were both so clearly struggling. Anyone hoping that would change upon his joining the Patriots is likely feeling disappointed.
Barring injury, Mitchell will likely be stranded on New England's practice squad until the end of the 2025 season. While this could be a chance to pick up a ring without doing any of the work, as the Patriots are a clear Super Bowl contender, it is a continued step in the wrong direction for Mitchell's career, especially if he hopes to be more productive next year.
Mitchell will enter free agency in the 2026 offseason, not having offered viable production since 2022. The NFL is a 'what-have-you-done-lately' business, and the fact that ex-Louisiana RB has now gone back-to-back seasons without a carry lessens the odds of any potential suitor being interested in his services.
Mitchell is going to be forced to settle for another practice squad deal if his career continues. There simply is far too much talent in the league at the position for a roster spot to open up with so little production over the last three seasons. Making Kansas City's decision to move on age a bit better, even if the offense clearly still should've given Mitchell a chance.