Jordan Mason of the San Francisco 49ers left Thursday night’s game with an injury. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
With Christian McCaffrey out, Jordan Mason has been a revelation. He’s one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Could the San Francisco 49ers get similar results from the third running back on their depth chart? They might need to know that.
Mason got off to a good start Thursday night, but was tackled and immediately grabbed around the shoulder. He remained lying down for a while while an athletic trainer tended to him. Mason returned to the locker room, but the 49ers said he was questionable to return with a shoulder injury.
Not many teams have a solid third running back option on their roster, but the 49ers’ plan seems to strengthen them all. Rookie Isaac Guerend is behind Mason on the depth chart. He’s an athletic fourth-round pick, but he had just 41 career yards before Thursday. Behind Gerendo is Patrick Taylor Jr. He hadn’t had a carry all season until Thursday. Deebo Samuel Sr. will also take snaps at tailback, but the 49ers likely won’t want to make him a full-time tailback.
The 49ers probably missed McCaffrey in some ways, but Mason replaced most of his production. He is second in the NFL in rushing yards behind Derrick Henry after five weeks. Mason threw for 536 yards, more than 100 yards more than any back other than Henry.
McCaffrey has missed all games this season with calf and Achilles injuries. He should return at some point this season. If Mason’s injury is serious, McCaffrey’s return will be more urgent.
