49ERS BRING BACK LINEMAN MITCHELL

Tackle returning to D-line for playoff run; Browns interested in 2 more assistants

New Year’s Eve videos that will flood social media surely won’t get 49ers fans as hyped as the one posted Tuesday by Earl Mitchell, announcing his return to the 49ers defensive line.

Mitchell, 32, was a veteran nose tackle and quiet leader the previous two seasons for the 49ers. After not playing in the NFL this regular season, a league source confirmed he’s rejoining the playoff-bound franchise to help offset season-ending injuries to D.J. Jones (ankle) and Jullian Taylor (knee). The Athletic first reported Mitchell’s return.

Two months after announcing his retirement, Mitchell posted a two-minute Instagram video Tuesday featuring his 49ers highlights, captioned: “2020 starting off crazy!!!” Among the first to comment was Jones: “HE’sss BACKKKK.”

The 49ers have yet to confirm Mitchell’s signing or a corresponding roster move, only announcing they’ve signed for

Vikings running back C.J. Ham tries to break a tackle by 49ers defensive tackle Earl Mitchell during the first half of a preseason game on Aug. 27, 2017, in Minneapolis. mer Detroit Lions defensive lineman Ray Smith to the practice squad. On Saturday, the 49ers promoted Kevin Givens from the practice squad and put Taylor on injured reserve. Sheldon Day also has seen an increase of snaps.

As the No. 1 seed, the 49ers don’t open the NFC

playoffs until Saturday, Jan. 11, at Levi’s Stadium, against either the No. 6 Minnesota Vikings or the winner between the No. 4 Philadelphia Eagles and No. 5 Seattle Seahawks.

Mitchell spent training camp with the Seahawks and got cut before the season opener. He played for the Houston Texans (201013) and Miami Dolphins (2014-16) before joining the 49ers.

• The Cleveland Browns

are interested in two more 49ers assistants for their head coaching position. In addition to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, whose candidacy was confirmed Monday, the Browns have interest in passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur and run game coordinator Mike McDaniel.

LaFleur, the younger brother of Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur, is expected to interview this weekend.

RICK SCUTERI — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (90) during a game against the Cardinals on Oct. 28, 2018, in Glendale, Ariz.

JANE TYSKA — BAY AREA NEWS GROUP DeForest Buckner (99) and Earl Mitchell (90) warm up before their preseason game against the Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Aug. 9, 2018.

BRUCE KLUCKHOHN — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS