Coach Kyle Shanahan said Mitchell (shoulder) likely would've been ruled out rather than listed as doubtful if the 49ers had better alternatives in the backfield for Sunday against the Packers, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
In other words, Mitchell might not play even if he avoids the inactive list ahead of Sunday's 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff. He should be removed from fantasy lineups in all but the most desperate of situations, while fellow rookie Trey Sermon figures to head the San Francisco backfield Sunday night. Recent signees Trenton Cannon and Jacques Patrick are the other tailbacks on the roster, while veterans Chris Thompson and Kerryon Johnson could be called up from the practice squad. Mitchell did return to practice Friday as a limited participant, potentially setting him up to play Week 4 against Seattle. For Week 3, however, he's listed as doubtful.