The Philadelphia Eagles have parted ways with running back Elijah Mitchell after the two sides reached an injury settlement, allowing the veteran to become a free agent rather than remain sidelined for the season.
The news was reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Mitchell had been placed on injured reserve earlier in the week following an undisclosed injury sustained during training camp. That designation would have kept him off the field for at least the first four weeks and effectively ended any realistic chance of contributing in 2026.
By negotiating a settlement, the Eagles freed a roster spot while giving Mitchell the opportunity to seek employment elsewhere right away.
Mitchell’s path to Philadelphia was already an uphill one. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2021 draft, he made an immediate impression as a rookie.
Stepping into a starting role, he produced 963 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 207 carries across 11 games, adding 19 receptions for 137 yards and another score. Those numbers suggested the 49ers had uncovered a long-term answer at the position.
The arrival of Christian McCaffrey via trade, however, pushed Mitchell into a secondary role, and subsequent injuries prevented him from reclaiming consistent playing time.
Over the past year, he has moved from team to team in search of a stable opportunity, yet health issues have continued to interrupt his progress.
In Philadelphia, the running back group was already crowded. Saquon Barkley remains the clear lead back, supported by Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley.
Dameon Pierce is also competing for a roster or practice-squad spot. Mitchell’s injury and subsequent release therefore remove a player who faced steep odds of making the final 53-man roster even if healthy. The decision offers the Eagles greater clarity as they finalize their depth chart ahead of the regular season.
For Mitchell, the settlement represents another chance to prove himself.
Free to sign with any club immediately, he can pursue a fresh start where opportunity and durability might finally align. The Eagles, meanwhil
