San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (left) celebrates with offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (right) - Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images
With all the excitement of week one, San Francisco 49ers running back, Jordan Mason had a big game. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Jets with the final score being 32-19. There is a lot that can be talked about in this game, but the main storyline is around Mason, the third-year running back. Here is a look at Mason’s game, and his NFL career.
Jordan Mason Vs. the Jets
It has been known that running back Christian McCaffrey would be questionable for Monday night’s game. It was known that if McCaffrey was out, Mason would go in. That is just what happened. As the 49ers released their initiatives list, there was McCaffrey’s name. This meant it was time for Mason’s first NFL start. It likely will not be his last start in the NFL either.
NFL fans around the league hadn’t known much about Mason outside of his Georgia Tech days. Well, now they do. With McCaffrey out, Mason stepped up and made a name for himself. In the game, Mason rushed the ball 28 times for 147 yards and one touchdown, according to ESPN. He also had one reception for five yards.
In the offseason, Mason spoke about how playing with McCaffrey has made him want to be better as a player. He practiced catching more and put in the work. This had 49ers fans excited, but now he’s shown the league what he can do.
Jordan Mason on the 49ers
This is Mason’s third year with the 49ers. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He is in the same draft class as Brock Purdy. The two first played together in Mexico against the Cardinals. Purdy went to hand the ball off one way and Mason ran the opposite way. The two have come a long way since.
In three years with the 49ers, Mason rushed the ball 111 times for 611 yards and five touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. He’s only had two receptions. One for five yards and one in 2022 for 13 yards. This is just the beginning for Mason in the NFL.
Looking Ahead
So what does this mean for the 49ers in the long run? McCaffrey will still be the main guy on the team, but now Mason has proven against a starting defense that he can be a strong rotational piece. McCaffrey will play as long as he has the momentum, but if he sits out for a play, the 49ers can use Mason. Of course, they can still run with Deebo Samuel, or of course, pass the ball. Mason proving himself opens up this 49ers offense even more.
Next up, the 49ers will face the Minnesota Vikings. Is there a chance that McCaffrey is back? There is definitely the chance, but he is not expected to play. The Vikings do play on artificial turf that head coach, Kyle Shanahan will likely not want McCaffrey to play on coming back from an injury. It is also a shorter week which plays a factor. This is a wait-and-see situation, but it seems as though it will be another Mason game.
It will then be interesting to see if the turf is a factor in McCaffrey not playing. In week three they head to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams. This field is one of the ones known to cause significant injuries. Will he play then? A lot is up in the air and it will be great for the 49ers to have McCaffrey back, but the good news is, with Shanahan as coach the run game is strong, and Mason has shown he can be that guy.
