Elijah Mitchell and Trenton Cannon are both in the concussion protocol. They’re unlikely to go through a full practice Wednesday but certainly have a shot to play in Cincinnati. The 49ers also think Deebo Samuel has a good chance to be back this week from his groin injury.

Related players: Jeff Wilson, JaMycal Hasty

The news about Samuel on Tuesday was a bit up and down overall with some reports more positive than others, but the general feeling overall seems like there is a chance he can play in Week 14. This particular story said "good chance." It would certainly be a good sign if Mitchell can practiced in at least a limited form on Wednesday so owners will want to take note. Hasty is probably the team's most healthy running back, but the story thinks Wilson will be able to practice this week after his knee swelled up recently. This RB situation is a fluid one heading into Week 14. To make matters worse, Samuel has had more time running the ball over the last few weeks.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) remains day to day, but Shanahan said he is hoping to get him back this week, too.

Related players: Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson, JaMycal Hasty

Samuel was scheduled to miss a week or two, but the Niners hope to see him back for Week 14 after missing Week 13. Mitchell entered concussion protocol on Monday after being cleared on Sunday and after the game, so his status is up in the air, as is Wilson's who had his knee flare up, according to the story. Samuel has been used more as a runner lately but is a weapon the 49ers would love to get back with so many other question marks at RB.

RB Elijah Mitchell is in the concussion protocol, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said.

Related players: Jeff Wilson, JaMycal Hasty

Mitchell took a nasty hit to the head against the Seahawks but eventually was cleared to come back in the game. Reports say Mitchell started to suffer some symptoms Monday, however. The Niners are at the Bengals in Week 14, and this game was moved from an early game to a later Sunday game. If Mitchell can't go, Hasty and Wilson are up next, but Wilson's knee flared up, according to the team, so his status is also in question heading into Week 14.

Shanahan said Elijah Mitchell emerged from the game with a rib injury. Said the rookie runner will be limited in practice on Wednesday.

Related players: JaMycal Hasty, Trey Sermon, Jeff Wilson

It seems like Mitchell should be able to play in Week 9 at home against the Cardinals. Hasty got just three carries last week for four yards but reports say Wilson could be back to practice this week as well. The 49ers play a late-afternoon game in Week 9 so owners should probably try to come up with a backup plan just in case Mitchell trends downward this week.

49ers RB JaMycal Hasty (ankle) will be activated from IR and play Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Related Player: Elijah Mitchell

Mitchell is the lead back in San Francisco, but Hasty's return will help with a game that could be plagued by heavy rain.

Trey Sermon had two fewer snaps than he did against Green Bay, but it was clear he was more comfortable and that Shanahan and his assistants trusted him more. Still, the team hasn’t had a true third-down back after JaMycal Hasty went down with a high ankle sprain in Week 2.

For the second straight game, Kyle Juszczyk was the running back of choice on third downs or when the 49ers were in a hurry-up mode. Or the 49ers had a running back split out wide with no one in the backfield in those situations. The last two games have been heavier in three-receiver formations (56 percent of plays) than the first two (32 percent) when the 49ers had their full (or at least fuller) complement of tailbacks.

Related players: Elijah Mitchell

With Mitchell out with a shoulder injury, Sermon ran 19 times for 89 yards on the day. Meanwhile it was Juszczyk who was targeted four times and had four catches for 41 yards. Sermon was targeted once on the day. There will be some workload and role questions in this backfield when Mitchell is able to play again.

49ers RB JaMycal Hasty (ankle) will miss Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. He also mentioned Elijah Mitchell (shoulder) has a chance to play.

One 49ers RB down, 43 more to go before we have an idea who plays. Trenton Cannon is the only healthy RB that was on the active roster Week 2. Trey Sermon was limited Wednesday as he recovers from a concussion.

The 49ers are signing RB Jacques Patrick off the Bengals practice squad, source said. Big opportunity for the onetime XFL star with injuries depleting the SF backfield.

Related players: JaMycal Hasty, Trey Sermon, Elijah Mitchell

Hasty and Sermon will have a lot of hurdles to clear to play in Week 3 and Mitchell is dealing with a shoulder injury that still has his status up in the air. Even if Mitchell plays, Patrick could be in line for immediate touches. The Niners and Packers play on Sunday night so owners may have to wait this situation out and should have a backup plan.