Elijah Mitchell’s brief run with the Philadelphia Eagles has officially ended.
The Eagles released the veteran running back from injured reserve with an injury settlement, according to NFL Communications. The move comes one day after Philadelphia placed Mitchell on injured reserve and signed running back Ja’Quinden Jackson.
Mitchell left Saturday’s training camp practice early with an undisclosed injury. By placing him on injured reserve before the initial roster reduction, the Eagles would have made him ineligible to return for Philadelphia during the 2026 season. The settlement ends that arrangement and allows Mitchell to continue his career elsewhere once he is healthy. Philadelphia signed Mitchell on June 2 after he participated in the team’s
rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. The former San Francisco 49ers running back was competing for a reserve role behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley.
Mitchell entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2021 and rushed for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns over three seasons with San Francisco. He added 237 rushing yards and two touchdowns in eight playoff games but missed the entire 2024 season with a hamstring injury. He spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots during the 2025 season before signing with Philadelphia.
Mitchell’s departure further clarifies the Eagles’ running back competition. Barkley remains the unquestioned starter, with Bigsby and Shipley positioned behind him. Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele, and Jackson will compete for the remaining opportunities during the preseason.
Jackson joined the Eagles after Sunday’s workout. His addition gives Philadelphia another physical runner and special teams option entering Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Mitchell never reached the exhibition schedule. His injury ended his roster push before he could make a case under game conditions, leaving the Eagles to evaluate their remaining backs while he begins another recovery.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles Release RB Elijah Mitchell With Injury Settlement
