The San Francisco 49ers announced Friday that they will be without starting running back Elijah Mitchell for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mitchell has been dealing with a knee issue on and off.

Mitchell has been one of the best waiver wire pick ups of the fantasy football season. He currently ranks as RB22 in half PPR leagues among all running backs. But he was not even supposed to see much of the field this season.

The 49ers traded up to draft Trey Sermon in the 3rd round. The 49ers then drafted Mitchell in the 6th round. But the latter has clearly outproduced the former. Injuries have been the only thing holding Mitchell back from being a borderline RB1 this season.

He has already missed three full games throughout the season with injuries, and left a couple others during the game.

With Mitchell ruled out for Sunday, Jeff Wilson Jr. is the next man up. He had also been dealing with an injured knee, but practiced fully Friday. However, because Wilson started for Mitchell a couple weeks ago against the Jaguars, he might not be available the free agent list.

Week 14 is littered with injuries and illnesses to running backs. The Lions are without D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. The Jets are without Michael Carter and Tevin Coleman. J.D. McKissic, Tony Pollard, and Joe Mixon are all listed as questionable.

That does not leave fantasy football managers with many options. One potential option, as crazy as it sounds, is Alex Collins with the Seahawks. He is back this week. Adrian Peterson has not practiced all week and Travis Homer has already been ruled out.

In a game script that appears to favor the Seahawks agains the league's worst rush defense, Collins might be an option to look at.